Co. Waterford farmer named Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year
Kate Curran from Kilmagemogue, Portlaw, Co. Waterford has been named the winner of the Teagasc / FBD Student of the Year 2024 award.
The awards were presented to the top graduates of the Teagasc level 6 agriculture, horticulture, equine, and forestry training programmes in 2024 by Teagasc chairperson, Liam Herlihy in Dublin today (May 22).
Curran completed the Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming (Distance Education) at the Teagasc Kildalton College in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.
In addition to winning the overall award, Curran was also successful in the Part-Time and Distance Education category award.
At the event, Thomas O’Connor from Caherbreagh, Tralee, Co. Kerry was presented with Full-Time Agriculture category award.
He completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) in Pallaskenry Agricultural College, Co. Limerick
Finally, Niamh Duggan, from Ballinagranna, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary won the Full-Time Other Land-Based Enterprises category award.
She completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Stock Production) in Kildalton Horticulture College.
Teagasc chairperson, Liam Herlihy said: "The agriculture, horticulture, equine, and forestry sectors need a constant flow of new entrants, bringing knowledge of the latest technologies and science onto farms.
"This year’s finalists epitomise the high calibre of student emerging from Teagasc education courses, bringing new dynamism into the sector. I congratulate each and everyone of you,” he added.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon, sent his congratulations to all the finalists.
He said: "This is one of the highlights in the calendar. Well-educated young farmers are the future of the sector and I congratulate all the finalists on their achievement.
"The value of a quality agricultural education to the running of a modern farm enterprises cannot be overstated. You and your families and friends can be very proud of what you have achieved over the last few years while you pursued your qualification."
"I extend my congratulations in particular to the category and overall winners whose range and depth of knowledge impressed the judges," he added.
The other finalists in the awards were:
- Emma Cullen, Clontyduffy, Mountnugent, Co. Cavan
- Dara Leahy, Bridelands, Crookstown, Co. Cork
- Rosie O'Brien, Riverstown, Birr, Co. Offaly
- Anne-Marie Kenny, Ballybrack, Moville, Co. Donegal
- Conor Murphy, Dunganny, Trim, Co. Meath
- Adrian Gaynard, Kilcommon, Hollymount, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
- Vanessa Tait, Buckstown Farm, Rostellan, Co. Cork
- Colm O’Reilly, Tully, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
- Noelle McCann, Booterstown, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
- Chélirs Brecq, Birr, Co. Offaly
