Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College celebrated the achievements of approximately 240 students at its Presentation of Certificates and Awards held recently at the Cavan Crystal Hotel. The cohort included full time learners alongside part time evening class and distance education graduates completing Level 5 and Level 6 certificates across dairy, drystock, mechanisation and forestry.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, who congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of digital skills and innovation for the future of Irish agriculture.
Principal at Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, John Kelly congratulated the students and acknowledged the broad community that supports Ballyhaise. “Tonight, we celebrate not just qualifications, but the practical skills, resilience and adaptability our students have developed,” Mr Kelly said. “Our 200 hectare farm remains the backbone of teaching at Ballyhaise and provides the real world experience employers and farms expect. I’d like to pay tribute to our host farmers, teaching and farm staff, our partners at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), and the many industry supporters who make this training possible.”
Dr Anne Marie Butler, Teagasc Head of Education, also addressed those present, praising the students’ commitment and the college team’s work. “Congratulations to every graduate here this evening,” Dr Butler said. “The progress you have made reflects the work of dedicated teachers, farm staff, technicians and administrators who give their time and expertise day in, day out. Ballyhaise’s success is built on that teamwork, and I thank the college staff for their outstanding contribution. I encourage graduates to stay engaged with Teagasc for ongoing professional development as they move into farming, industry or further study.”
The ceremony also recognised outstanding individual achievement. Overall Student of the Year was awarded to Jack Stevenson, Greenleas, Castlefinn, Lifford, County Donegal, in recognition of his strong academic performance, practical contribution and commitment to college life.
Teagasc has continued to invest in Ballyhaise’s facilities and learning resources in recent years, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has committed funding to support new student accommodation. These investments aim to ensure Ballyhaise remains a modern and welcoming centre for land based education and training.
Graduates were encouraged to remain engaged with Teagasc advisory and continuing professional development programmes as they move into farm management, employment or further study. The college also thanked the families and friends whose support was instrumental to the students’ success.
