Meet Virginia International Logistics ‘Rising Star’ Blaithin Curran 

08/04/2026

Delivering Driver Management solutions at Virginia International Logistics, Blaithin Curran collected the ‘Rising Star’ award at the 2026 Irish Haulier of the Year Awards. Irish Trucker touched base with Blaithin to discuss this unexpected national award and the role of women in haulage. 

As part of the exceptional team at Virginia International Logistics for the past four years and counting, Blaithin Curran has been looking after the company’s drivers’ through the consistent daily delivery of top-class Driver Management solutions. 

Blaithin’s wonderful contribution to both Virginia International Logistics and the industry as a whole was acknowledged in mid-October when the Killeshandra lady was named ‘Rising Star’ at the annual Haulier of the Year Awards. 

“It was nice to get the award and it was a real surprise as I didn’t even realise I was in the running for that one,” she reflects. “I was in for the ‘Women in Transport’ award, which was won by Sarah Lonergan, and this was a new category that was included this year. Presumably I was judged on the interview process for the other award. 

“It was absolutely brilliant to get it, especially as this industry remains a male-dominated one and it was nice to fly the flag for women in transport. There’s such a shortage of women working in the industry and that’s a real shame. I believe it would be a lot different if more women realised how many opportunities there are to work in transport, in a variety of different roles. 

“Of course, there are a good few women working in accounts and admin, but not nearly as many as there could be in the planning, fleet and driving side of things. I think this could change if there was more awareness, and hopefully the little bit of publicity generated by this award will help to raise awareness.” 

How did Blaithin get involved in the industry? Does she come from a family of truck driver, perhaps? “No, not at all – there’s nobody in my family in haulage. I was doing home care and fancied a change of career. I went back to college and did accounts, finance, business and payroll but then decided to change direction as I realised I’d love a career in transport. 

“I reached out to Virginia when I was almost finished my course and they agreed to take me on straight away. I was in accounts for six months but wanted a different challenge and when the opening came up in Driver Management I decided to go for it. They were growing and getting bigger and needed a second person in Driver Management and I got it. It’s been going great and three-and-a-half years later I’m still here...” 

It’s not the easiest job in the world by any stretch, not least because of all the responsibilities one has to assume, but Blaithin has embraced the challenges and loves it: “You really are in the thick of it,” she confirms. “You have to oversee driver compliance, make sure they are staying within their maximum driving hours, assign vehicles and ensure that they are all driving both safely and efficiently at all times. 

“For compliance and safety, we are the drivers’ point of contact and have to give them full support around the clock. You look after their holidays and you are there to assist if there is a breakdown or accident. It’s a demanding role with a lot of pressure and you have to have the phone switched on 24/7. But I love it. I’m lucky that we have such a great team of drivers here at Virginia International Logistics and the directors are brilliant, too. You just get used to it. At any given time, I’d know who has which lorry and where they are and I know all the drivers by name. 

“I was wary at first as I worried that they wouldn’t want to come in and deal with me when they saw a woman there but that hasn’t been an issue. There are 150 drivers here between the two of us, so we’re kept busy and the drivers are very agreeable and understanding and easy to work with.” 

Virginia International Logistics is a family-owned business with locations in Maghera, Virginia, Co. Cavan; Kells, Co. Meath; Ballycoolin, Co. Dublin; and Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK. They have over 40 years’ experience in temperature controlled, dry freight and containerized transport / warehousing and customs clearance. 

Virginia International Logistics currently offer groupage, part & full load services, freight forwarding, warehousing, project management and customs clearance within a variety of industries including foods (FMCG), electronics, pharma and manufacturing. 

The company consistently provides a quality-focused transport and logistics solution to customers, which is reflected in their ISO 9001:2015, GDP, FOR's and border control accreditations. 

Virginia International Logistics has grown exponentially down through the years and currently operates a fantastic fleet of 145 trucks and some 400 trailers. “It’s growing all the time,” adds Blaithin, who has completed her Transport Manager CPC in both Haulage and Passenger. “Last year we went into tipper work for the first time, which brought in more drivers. 

“They are adding to the fleet and upgrading it year on year and I’ve no doubt it’s going to increase further over the next three or four years.” 

All of which might mean a little more work in Driver Management?... “I don’t mind. As I said, it’s challenging but I am lucky to have a good team alongside me. I’m totally enjoying it but would love to see more women in the industry. There are 25 women working here, which is great, but most of them are in accounts and HR. There are only four in traffic planning and just the one lady driver. I’m not sure why the numbers are so low but it would be great to see more women getting involved throughout the industry.” 

Virginia International Logistics, 

Maghera, 

Virginia, 

County Cavan. 

Tel: 049 8547403 

Email: [email protected] 

Web: virginialogistics.ie 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/VirginiaLogistics 

First published in Irish Trucker magazine March/April 2026, Vol 29-2