Derek McKenna

Derek McKenna is the co-founder and brewer behind Bréifne Gael Brewing, an independent microbrewery based at Cavan Enterprise Centre. His journey began around ten years ago with homebrewing experiments in his own kitchen, gradually developing recipes and refining his understanding of how malted barley, hops, yeast and water combine to create distinctive beers.

A major turning point came when Derek’s Ór Dubh Irish Stout won gold at the 2025 Irish National Homebrewing Championship. That success gave him and his wife Aleksandra the confidence to turn his long-standing passion into a business, and Bréifne Gael Brewing went on to secure its brewing licence in 2026.

Today, Derek creates the brewery’s recipes himself and produces a core range that includes Ór Dubh Irish Stout, Mo Chroí Irish Lager, Rua Irish Red Ale and Leann Éadrom West Cavan Pale Ale. The beers are brewed in small batches using quality ingredients, with a strong emphasis on flavour, craftsmanship and a sense of place.

Derek is also passionate about sharing his knowledge of brewing with others. Through Bréifne Gael’s Brew School, he helps visitors understand the brewing process from grain to glass and encourages people to explore the variety and character that small-batch craft beer can offer.