Degree: “I am a first-year agricultural science student at University College Cork (UCC).”

University College Cork: “This is the first year that agricultural science has been taught at UCC. I was originally studying biomedical science, but once a transfer became an option in September, I made the switch. The course is mainly a general introduction to the sciences for the first year, in conjunction with time spent at Clonakilty Agricultural College and Moorepark learning the practical elements.”

Hannah Dinan is one of 23 students studying agricultural science in UCC.

Home from home: “After my Leaving Cert, I considered studying agricultural science at UCD, but Dublin was very expensive. Cork is a home away from home for me, as I spent a lot of time on my uncle’s farm just outside of the city while growing up. There are 23 of us altogether studying agricultural science at UCC, and of those, eight are girls.”

Hannah Dinan's summer holidays are spent working on her uncle's farm in Coachford, Co Cork.

Dairygold bursary: “In September, I was lucky enough to win a student bursary to study agricultural science at UCC, sponsored by Dairygold. The bursary covers my full college fees for the four years and also gives me the chance to work with Dairygold in third year, as part of my college placement.”

Hannah Dinan: "Working on my uncle's farm has given me a well-rounded experience working with both animals and crops."

Farming background: “School and summer holidays were spent working on my uncle's farm in Coachford, Co Cork. We keep 110 dairy cows on a 90ac block and another 90ac is rented for tillage, where we grow wheat, barley and maize. We used to keep pigs too, but got out when the prices were low a few years back.”

Experience: “Working on my uncle's farm has given me a well-rounded experience working with both animals and crops. As part of work experience in third year, I will spend six months working with Dairygold in its food testing labs, which will give me a great introduction to the industry.”

Hannah Dinan says that switching to agricultural science is a chance worth taking.

Future goals: “After college, I hope to gain experience in experimental research and perhaps work in advisory thereafter.”

Quotable quote: “Although biomedical science guaranteed me a well-paid job after graduation, you have to go with what you really want to do and for me, that’s why agricultural science is a chance worth taking.”

Read more

The next generation: David Cronin, Dunmanway, Co Cork

The next generation: Clem Rossiter, Grange, Bannow, Co Wexford

The next generation: Seán Doyle, Ballyroan, Co Laois