There was a buzz of celebration at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, as history was made in the 27th year of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition. Cork woman Aileen Sheehan was crowned the 2025 winner – the first female recipient of the prestigious title.

Aileen, who farms in Whitechurch, milks 140 cows on a 100% leased farm, alongside managing 28 in-calf heifers and 24 calves.

Having only begun her farming journey in December 2021, she has shown remarkable drive in building her enterprise. Leasing a dairy unit, establishing her own herd, and introducing home-bred heifers in 2023, Aileen has quickly carved out her place in the dairy sector.

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She runs the farm in partnership with her husband Phillip – who also serves in the Irish Army – and their growing team of three part-time staff: Sarah, Aoife, and Tadgh.

The couple recently welcomed their daughter, baby Katie, into the world just six months ago, making this latest achievement all the sweeter.

Outside the farmgate, Aileen also juggles a busy career as a PE and maths teacher in Blarney, where the family lives. Sustainability and quality are at the heart of the Sheehans’ system, a focus that was already recognised when they scooped the Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Award in 2024.

Accepting her award on the night, Aileen struck a powerful chord as she reflected on her win: “Behind every good man is a great woman, and that’s true, but we shouldn’t be behind. It’s time for women in the agriculture sector to step forward.”

The awards are judged on innovation, efficiency, environmental awareness and farm safety, and the calibre of entrants this year was praised highly. Aileen also claimed the Dairy Category and the Skillnet Biodiversity Award, while other category winners included Sarah Kelly (Best Young Entrant), Amie Coonan (Drystock), David Heraty (Land Mobility), Brian Fitzpatrick (Career Farm Management), and Wexford’s Isaac Wheelock, who not only won the Other Enterprises category but was also named overall runner-up.

Congratulating Aileen, Macra national president Josephine O’Neill described the moment as “history being made” and commended Aileen’s dedication to farming, the environment and her community.

It was a night to remember, and one that will surely inspire the next generation of young farmers.

For Aileen, Phillip, and little Katie, the future looks every bit as bright as the silverware they carried home.