Kilmessan family behind whiskey distillery at drogheda

The Cooney family of Kilmessan, former owners of Tipperary Water, have launched a new €20 million project on the outskirts of Drogheda, the Boann Distillery and Boyne Brewhouse, which is expected to create 80 jobs.
The development will incorporate a visitor centre with a bar, restaurant and event space. While the brewhouse is already producing beers, the distillery won’t start producing raw spirits through its copper pot stills until later this year. The entire complex is expected to be open next year.
The Enterprise Ireland-backed business will be owned and run by CEO Pat Cooney, a Drogheda native who built up soft drink maker and alcohol distributor the Gleeson Group, alongside his wife Marie and four of their children.
The Gleeson Group was sold to the C&C Group in a 2012 deal that valued the business at €58 wmillion. The family is also behind the Adams Cider Company, which makes the Devils Bit Irish Cider brand.
Meath County Council chief executive Jackie Maguire, said that County Meath has a long tradition of family businesses and is delighted to congratulate Pat Cooney and the Cooney family on their new venture. The Council has worked diligently to assist this development and investment to the county.
“We are committed to working with national and local businesses, as well as FDI companies to ensure that we provide the support and services necessary for companies to run their businesses successfully and create sustainable jobs for those living in the county,” she said.
She said that since the launch of Meath’s Economic Strategy in June, a number of job creations has been announced and this further job announcement sends out a clear message to the business community in Ireland and abroad that Meath is open for business. It confirms that the challenges in our Economic Development Strategy for County Meath 2014-2022 are achievable.
“Our target is to increase new investments by 40 per cent and attract 15 per cent additional client companies. This will enable the county to prosper as a distinct and diverse location to do business and in doing so create 7,500 new jobs in the county,” Ms Maguire said.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD has said, “the announcement of 80 new jobs in Drogheda, as part of a €20 million investment supported by my Department through Enterprise Ireland, is a great boost for the town and the wider northeast region.”