by Louise McCarthy

AN ENNISCORTHY mill owner has been asked to produce flour for the Russian market following a visit by a group of millers, bakers and grain plant experts.

Uncle Aidan’s Authentic Stone Ground Floor, produced at Ballyminane Mills, Ballindaggin, could be on sale in Russian shops, if plans come to fruition. The wheat used for Uncle Aidan’s Flour is sourced locally from Ballyhamilton Farms.

Mr John Murphy and his uncle Aidan Murphy, were visited by key experts and officials in the Russian grain industry, last Tuesday.

“They liked the whole authenticity of the mill. I was overwhelmed by their interest in our product and brand.

It would be great to have this as a back-up, if we had a bad summer sourcing wheat,” said Mr Murphy.

If the plan to mill flour for the Russians goes ahead, Mr Murphy said he will have to employ more staff.

Currently Mr Murphy works alongside his 82-year-old uncle Aidan, running a business that has now expanded throughout Ireland. He is currently supplying grain for Musgraves Supervalu to stores around the country.
Ballyminane Mills was originally established in 1832, and has remained in the family ever since. The Russian group were spending a five day holiday in Ireland, with Ballyminane Mills on the top of their list.

Six years ago, Mr Murphy, originally from Clonroche, joined his uncle in running the mill. Following some time working abroad in the construction industry, he returned to the family business, close to his heart.

He managed to secure a high level of funding from RTE’s Dragon Den in 2012 to help sustain the milling business.

His job involves purchasing grain, milling it into flour, packaging and then delivering it.

“Working in the mill was always on my mind. When the recession hit, I said that I would get involved in the mill. It has been a struggle, but business is improving,” said Mr Murphy.

The Russian visitors were the first tourists to visit the mill, and Mr Murphy anticipates that tour groups will become a regular feature there.

“The goal is to open the mill as a tourist attraction,” said Mr Murphy.