Honoured at Teagasc student of the year awards

A MAYO student has picked up a prize at the Teagasc/FBD Insurance Student of the Year Awards 2017.

Darren Walsh, who studied at the Teagasc centre in Ballina, was named second runner-up at the awards.

Darren combines farming with an off-farm job.

The awards, which are sponsored by FBD Insurance, are made to the top 15 graduates of Teagasc Level 6 agricultural training programmes in 2017. The overall winner was Conor Coakley from Co. Cork.

The awards were presented by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, in Dublin.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Fiona Muldoon, chief executive of FBD Insurance, said the nominees for the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Award are amongst the next generation of farm leaders and innovators.

“More than ever, Irish agriculture needs bright able young people who are open to change and who will question, challenge and develop both themselves and our industry. I warmly congratulate all of the participants on their achievements,” she said.

The finalists are included Gavin Canning from the Teagasc Ballinrobe centre.