Waterford cheese maker

Waterford cheese maker to be Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese based in Blackwater Valley, Knockanore are to have their cheeses stocked in over 80 Tesco stores nationwide as part of the launch of the retailer’s new ‘Cheeses of Ireland’ range. The Tesco ‘Cheeses of Ireland’ launch sees 28 Irish artisan cheeses from 18 Irish cheese makers sold on cheese counters in up to 90 stores nationwide under the Tesco brand. Working with local cheese makers and developed by Tesco Cheese Buyer Barra McFeely, the range includes goat’s cheese, cheddars, brie and blue cheeses.

Commenting on the launch, Barra said "Our new Cheeses of Ireland range brings together the best of Irish cheese from across the country, giving customers a taste of the highest quality cheeses at affordable prices. My experience as both a cheese maker, developing Dunbarra cheese, and as a cheese buyer with Tesco means that I could choose local cheeses which I know our customers will love such as Knockanore Smoked Cheddar."

Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese is run by Eamonn Lonergan and his cheeses are made from raw milk from his own 120-strong herd of Friesians. He started his business in the midst of the 1980’s recession and sees things as having come full circle. Eamonn’s hard work over the years has paid off with him having won a string of awards including winning gold at the 2010 World Cheese Awards.