David O’Connell: a tribute

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the sudden and untimely death of our dear friend and former colleague, David O’Connell. As we come to terms with this loss, we reflect on David’s life and his remarkable journey with IAS Laboratories and Cawood, as well as the mark he left on the agricultural and environmental sectors in Ireland.

David joined IAS Laboratories in the early 1990s as an agricultural graduate. With his characteristic drive and passion, he quickly worked his way up to a consultant, eventually becoming an integral member of the technical sales team under the leadership of then Managing Director, John Britton. His dedication to agricultural science, particularly in the areas of soil, forage, milk, and blood analysis, was instrumental in diagnosing and addressing fertility and production issues on dairy farms and within the equine industry in Ireland.

David’s reputation for expertise and innovation within agriculture grew quickly. In 1998, he founded his own consultancy business, OCAE Consultants. From his offices in Ballinderry House, Enfield, Co. Meath, David managed this successful business while running a 200-acre mixed tillage farm and pursuing his passion for breeding National Hunt horses. Despite his entrepreneurial success, David remained closely connected to IAS Laboratories, contributing as a trusted advisor and loyal customer.

‘Whenever David visited the lab to drop off samples, he would always stick around to chat about new technology and analytical techniques,’ said Mick Hogan, Technical Sales Manager at IAS and long-time colleague of David. ‘He always showed a keen interest in how the lab operated. Of course, this would become very handy for us at IAS in the future!’

In 2010, David seized the opportunity to return to IAS. The business had grown significantly and been put up for sale, and the team wanted it to be bought by someone who would continue to run it in the local area and with similar values. Along with his business partner, Mark McGarry, David acquired the laboratory and relocated it to Royal Oak Business Park, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow.

Under his leadership, IAS flourished. His vision for the company was clear: to be at the forefront of agricultural and environmental laboratory analysis. He meticulously believed in the benefit of sustainable agriculture, and he thrived on providing consultancy to clients off the back of results he confidently stood over. Through David’s meticulous dedication, IAS expanded its team, modernised its facilities, and adopted cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the lab became a leader in scientific analysis in Ireland.

David played a pivotal role in the agricultural community, exemplified by his management of the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine’s (DAFM) soil sampling contract whilst at IAS. The programme, which is the largest of its kind in Ireland and globally unique, was a monumental success under David’s guidance. His expertise in logistics, sample processing, and analysis was essential in bringing this project to fruition.

In 2021, David made the decision to sell IAS Laboratories to Cawood, allowing him to focus on OCAE Consultants and spend more time with his family. However, his commitment to IAS continued, as he stayed on as General Manager until March 2023, ensuring a smooth transition and furthering the company’s success.

‘David’s passing has left a void felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him,’ continued Mick. ‘He was not only a visionary leader, but also a true gentleman to all who knew and worked with him on his journey. I am proud to have called him a dear friend.’

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. David O’Connell’s legacy will continue to inspire those of us who had the honour of working alongside him, and his contributions to the field of agricultural science in Ireland will have a lasting impact for years to come.