Mary was selected by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland to take part in the prestigious scholarship programme.

As part of her prize, she will travel to New Zealand this October with nine other agricultural journalists from around the world for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual congress. The award also includes a 'boot camp' that will provide expert training and feedback.

Mary has worked with the Irish Farmers Journal since May 2010 and manages the careers and education section of Irish Country Living in addition to covering general features. She is a familiar face to many readers due to her appearances on TV3's Midday programme. Mary also regularly contributes to national and regional radio shows.

Originally from a beef and sheep farm in Camross, Co Laois, the young reporter has a degree in Law with History from UCD and a Masters in International Journalism from DCU.

This is the fourth consecutive time that a journalist from the Irish Farmers Journal has won the Young Leader award. Previous recipients include Aisling Hussey (2014), Darren Carty (2013) and Ciara O'Kelly (2012).

Congratulations Mary!