Student of the Year 2024

The Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year 2024 awards ceremony took place on Thursday May 22nd 2025.

Student of the Year 2024 & Part-Time and Distance Education Category Winner

Kate Curran

Kate from Co. Waterford was a student in the Specific Purpose Cert in Farming programme in Kildalton College. During the course she showed both competency and proficiency at a full range of practical skills. Kate, a clear communicator, has a strong interest in grassland management, biodiversity and seeking to improve and progress. Her knowledge of and involvement in the dairy farm greatly enhanced discussion group meetings.

Winner Full Time Agriculture Category

Thomas O’Connor

Thomas completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture - Dairy Herd Management - at Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry. He is from a dairy farming background in County Kerry and has excellent dairy technical knowledge and skill. He completed his work placement on a dairy farm in South Dakota, USA. He was also a member of the college’s Gaelic football team.

Winner Full-Time Other Land-based Enterprises Category

Niamh Duggan

Niamh from Co. Tipperary completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture - Nursery Stock Production at Kildalton College. Niamh's dedication, diligence and hard work was evident throughout the course. She set up a small nursery business during her studies at Level 5. She is interested in expanding her experience in horticulture and pursuing various work opportunities.

Finalists

Adrian Gaynard

Adrian is from Co. Mayo, he completed a Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming at Teagasc Ballinrobe. He is an enthusiastic suckler farmer and is keen to transfer the learnings and technologies from his course to improve his farm. He has embraced environmental and biodiversity enhancement through his participation in ACRES. He has off-farm employment and a focus on work-life balance. He has a strong safety ethic for his farm and also finds time to volunteer in his community.

Emma Cullen

Emma farms alongside her father in Co. Cavan. She is Ballyhaise Agricultural College overall 2024 Student of the Year. Emma excelled in the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture - Dairy Herd Management. She has excellent leadership and communication skills and is a team player. Emma’s creativity and innovation were evident in her practical work. She actively engaged in extracurricular activities and community initiatives.

Colm O’Reilly

Colm from Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Forestry at Ballyhaise Agricultural College. Colm excelled as a student and demonstrated technical excellence through his work placements with Western Forestry Co-op and Coillte. He participated in an Erasmus exchange in Finland which broadened his skills. His leadership, teamwork and communication skills were evident throughout the course.

Chélirs Brecq

Chélirs from Birr, Co. Offaly, completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture - Landscaping at College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens. He progressed to SETU to complete his BSc in Horticulture. Chélirs and another student represented Teagasc at the EUROPEA Hortichallenge in Estonia in 2024, placing 3rd overall. His technical skills as a horticulturist stood out during the construction of a student garden in the National Botanic Gardens.

Dara Leahy

Dara is a dairy farmer, farming in Crookstown, Co. Cork with his father and uncle. He completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture - Dairy Herd Management at Clonakilty Agricultural College. He is implementing what he learned in College and on placement, in particular the managing of an efficient, sustainable farm. He plans to head to New Zealand for the autumn and has plans for further development once he returns.

Vanessa Tait

Vanessa is farming with her parents on a mixed tillage, sheep, and beef farm in East Cork. She completed a Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming at Teagasc Fermoy. She achieved a distinction at both Level 5 and 6. Her communication skills and team work was evident in her work with groups and achieving results. Her qualification has given her great confidence for her future farming career.

Rosie O’Brien

Rosie from Birr, Co. Offaly completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture - Dairy Herd Management at Gurteen College. From a non farming background, Rosie completely immersed herself in the culture, theory and practice of agriculture during her time in Gurteen. She has represented Gurteen and Teagasc in various competitions. She is currently studying for a Level 8 degree in Agricultural Science and Sustainability at Gurteen / TUS.

Noelle McCann

Noelle from Booterstown, Co. Dublin has completed a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Equine Breeding - Stud Management at Kildalton College. Her dedication and work ethic allowed her to develop her skills and knowledge to an exceptional level. Noelle built up experience by working on a yard close by during the winter. She plans to complete the National Stud course with a view to a career in the equine industry.

Anne-Marie Kenny

Anne-Marie from Co. Donegal completed a Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming at Mountbellew Agricultural College. She achieved an overall distinction. Her leadership skills were evident throughout the course. She is heavily involved in the running of the family suckler farm.

Conor Murphy

Conor from Dunganny, Co. Meath completed a Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming at Teagasc Navan. He achieved distinctions in all Modules at Level 6 and also displayed excellent leadership skills. He is actively involved in the running of the the home farm. He has a particular interest in Farm business planning and Sustainable farming and the Environment. He enjoyed participating in discussion group meetings.