Waterford native Shane Fitzgerald has been named the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year at a ceremony in Dublin.
Fitzgerald, who is from Kilmagemogue, Portlaw, Co Waterford, received his award from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.
Fitzgerald completed his Teagasc Green Cert programme at Kildalton Agricultural College.
The first runner-up award was presented to Gary Clarke, Glan, Tuam, Co Galway who studied at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway.
The second runner-up award went to Shane Dolan, Avondale, Kilgarvan, Fardrum, Athlone, Co Westmeath, a student at Gurteen Agricultural College in Co Tipperary.
Presenting the awards to the finalists, Minister Michael Creed said: “In achieving such high standards, you are well placed to make a strong contribution to the development of the largest indigenous sector in the country. This expanding export-orientated sector will benefit greatly from the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm that these young people will bring.”
Teagasc director Professor Gerry BoyIe said: “Today’s finalists, like most Teagasc graduates are, or will become, the owners of a farm. “How we educate people for the role of business owner will be critically important.
“From a Teagasc perspective, there will be a greater focus on developing the capability of its learners to identify and pursue business opportunities, to look at the world in new ways and to have confidence to adapt to change and challenges.”
Fiona Muldoon, chief executive of FBD Insurance, said FBD was committed to supporting farmers and farm education through its research grants and education sponsorships as well as farm safety and other initiatives.
Finalists
The students receiving awards have all completed the Level 6 agricultural education programmes with Teagasc in 2016. The other finalists were:
Martin Alexander, Ballinacor, The Cross Roads, Killygordon, Lifford, Co Donegal. Eamonn Gallagher, Cooladurragh, Conna, Mallow, Co Cork. Linda Hanbidge, Brockna, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow. Robert Horan, Foyle, Ballinbarry, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Melissa Jeuken, Green Road Farm, Kilnaboy, Co Clare.John Kelly, Carrowgillpatrick, Dromard, Co Sligo.Felicity O’Brien, Goulboy, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo.Niall O’Sullivan, Upper Froe, Rosscarbery, Co Cork. Ciaran Taaffe, Funshog, Collon, Co Louth.The Green Cert - but not as you know it
The path to success in Caherlistrane: a young dairy farmer talks candidly
Waterford native Shane Fitzgerald has been named the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year at a ceremony in Dublin.
Fitzgerald, who is from Kilmagemogue, Portlaw, Co Waterford, received his award from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.
Fitzgerald completed his Teagasc Green Cert programme at Kildalton Agricultural College.
The first runner-up award was presented to Gary Clarke, Glan, Tuam, Co Galway who studied at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway.
The second runner-up award went to Shane Dolan, Avondale, Kilgarvan, Fardrum, Athlone, Co Westmeath, a student at Gurteen Agricultural College in Co Tipperary.
Presenting the awards to the finalists, Minister Michael Creed said: “In achieving such high standards, you are well placed to make a strong contribution to the development of the largest indigenous sector in the country. This expanding export-orientated sector will benefit greatly from the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm that these young people will bring.”
Teagasc director Professor Gerry BoyIe said: “Today’s finalists, like most Teagasc graduates are, or will become, the owners of a farm. “How we educate people for the role of business owner will be critically important.
“From a Teagasc perspective, there will be a greater focus on developing the capability of its learners to identify and pursue business opportunities, to look at the world in new ways and to have confidence to adapt to change and challenges.”
Fiona Muldoon, chief executive of FBD Insurance, said FBD was committed to supporting farmers and farm education through its research grants and education sponsorships as well as farm safety and other initiatives.
Finalists
The students receiving awards have all completed the Level 6 agricultural education programmes with Teagasc in 2016. The other finalists were:
Martin Alexander, Ballinacor, The Cross Roads, Killygordon, Lifford, Co Donegal. Eamonn Gallagher, Cooladurragh, Conna, Mallow, Co Cork. Linda Hanbidge, Brockna, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow. Robert Horan, Foyle, Ballinbarry, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Melissa Jeuken, Green Road Farm, Kilnaboy, Co Clare.John Kelly, Carrowgillpatrick, Dromard, Co Sligo.Felicity O’Brien, Goulboy, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo.Niall O’Sullivan, Upper Froe, Rosscarbery, Co Cork. Ciaran Taaffe, Funshog, Collon, Co Louth.The Green Cert - but not as you know it
The path to success in Caherlistrane: a young dairy farmer talks candidly
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