Award-winning Craft Cideries in Munster join forces!

The amalgamation of Legacy Cider and LongWays Cider sees duo of Liam Mc Donnell and James O Donoghue coming together to strengthen their presence on the Irish market with an extensive range of Irish craft ciders. Both cider makers have wide-ranging experience in the craft cider industry which has been reflected in the numerous award-winning products each have produced.

Liam is 3rd generation apple grower, his grandad Wilsie McDonnell grew apples in West Waterford in the late 1950s. His dad Pat McDonnell became a Doctor in the study of apple production, developing his own apple tree under the brand ‘Coronet The Miniature Apple tree’ and Liam has been continuing the Legacy by captivating their 70 year heritage in a bottle of premium Irish Cider.

James is a Tipp man from Carrick on Suir. He is the apple man behind LongWays Cider. His family’s 25-acre apple farm in Clonmel has been producing some of Ireland’s best cider apples for 22 years. Surrounded by nature, the orchards are also home to sixteen Irish honeybee colonies that pollinate the entire orchard. This year James has invested further in his business by adding another 12 acres of innovative dessert apple for cider and juice production.

This exciting merger will bring together the brains of two of the best cider makers in the south. It is a win -win for both businesses and also for cider lovers as the cider creations from these two will be something special!

James is taking over as Production Manager; he believes in the terroir of the cider and is an avid cider maker. For his Ciders he has won Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in Blas na hEireann, Gold and Silver at BBI UK, Sliver & Bonzes at Cider World Germany and a Great taste award. “As a lover of nature, growing apples and my passion for fermenting the apple into a wonderful cider that catches the terroir in a bottle, I’m delighted to focus fully on producing high quality ciders and give Liam the commercial side of the business, which he clearly has a passion for.”

Liam will look after the business side of things “I am excited to have James on board with me, his knowledge and expertise in the blending and new product development will be of huge benefit to both brands. I’m so looking forward to seeing what we can both bring to the table when we combine our individual cider making skills.

This merger will bring a guaranteed supply of top-quality apples from orchards in Waterford and Tipperary. “To make top quality cider the first place you start is the terroir and the apple and we have full control over both of these” says James.

Both brands will continue to trade under their respective brand names, so it is business as usual for the consumer and in the background joining forces to create a stronger business in the new market conditions ahead.

For more information contact Liam McDonnell 086-6494724 or liam@legacyirishcider.ie