Eugene founded Traditional Cheese Company in 1984.  Previously he worked with the Irish Dairy Board where he was Cheese Manager.  Eugene has a recognised expertise in the cheese industry.  He established the cheddar grading system in 1979 which is still in use today.

Eugene was motivated to set up Traditional Cheese Company as the Irish Farmhouse Cheese industry began to take off in the early 1980s.  He worked closely with the first generation of farm producers, introducing a range of cheese types and flavours, in cooperation with them, to the general Irish market and also penetrating the UK market.

Favourite Irish Cheese: 3-4-year-old Vintage Irish Cheddar with Ballymaloe Relish

Favourite European Cheese: Ripened Taleggio with Barbera B’Asti wine and crusty bread

Grainne joined Traditional Cheese Company in 1985 and was appointed Managing Director in 2017.  She oversees the day to day running of the business along with sourcing and selection of speciality cheese from across Europe.  Grainne regularly grades cheese to ensure it is meeting the criteria TCC have set in terms of the taste, texture and flavour profile of each particular cheese.  This ensures a consistency in the quality and range of cheese available to our customers.  Grainne has judged at International cheese events for the past 20 years including the honour of judging the supreme cheese classes for a number of years.

Favourite Cheese: Not having one favourite cheese, Grainne will select a cheese based on the time of year, where she is and the occasion.  Some of her recommendations are:

Raw Milk Camembert with crusty bread and a light fruity red wine

Gorgonzola with “Just for Cheese” Black figs

Parmigianino Reggiano chunks with aged balsamic vinegar and fresh pears

Des joined Traditional Cheese Company in 2003 and was appointed Finance Director in 2009 with responsibility for overseeing the accounting and financial control functions within the business.  He also has responsibility for the HR within TCC.

Favourite cheese: A good vintage cheddar, full of flavour

Diarmuid joined Traditional Cheese Company in 2005 with 20 years’ experience in the food and retail industry.  Diarmuids role within the company covers a wide area, from the day to day warehousing and distribution to sourcing products and suppliers.  Working closely with our current suppliers, building relationships and partnerships, ensures the best products are available to the Irish market.  Diarmuid also oversees the technical department which has achieved BRC grade AA for food and also a second BRC accreditation for storage and distribution.

Favourite Irish Cheese: TCC selected Vintage Irish Cheddar (a super gold winner)

Favourite European Cheese: Gorgonzola PDO Dolce Arrigoni and a spoon (super gold winner at the world cheese awards).

Derek Joined Traditional Cheese Company in November 2002.  Previously he was Fresh Food manager with Superquinn, specialising in Cheese, Delicatessen, Speciality Foods and Customer Service since 1989.  Derek was appointed Sales Director for TCC in 2013 and works closely with our Sales Managers and Experts within our business.  His big focus is on selecting quality cheeses and products for our customers for their specific requirements, supported with honest and practical expertise to always deliver a successful product to our and their customers.

Favourite Cheeses: Comte Reserve by Entremont and Taleggio from the Arrigoni Family

Julian has worked full-time for Traditional Cheese Company since 2002. He previously worked part-time in most departments of the company through his school and college years, giving him a wide appreciation of the day-to-day transactions of the business.  Julian was appointed Systems Manager in 2010, a role that involved dealing with all matters IT and communications within the company, including the introducing of a Live Stock and Batch Tracking system.  

Julian has recently embarked on a new role which involved working closely with Grainne on the day to day business of TCC, further progressing him within the family business.

Favourite Irish Cheese:  Most Farmhouse Cheeses such as Ardrahan or Milleens

Favourite European Cheese: Camembert, Stronger the better