Kilkenny college students shine in Student of the Year awards

Two of the top three students honoured in this year’s Teagasc/ FBD Student of the Year Awards are graduates of a Kilkenny agricultural college.

Overall winner Danny Doyle, as well as category winner Alana King, are former students of Kildalton College, in Piltown.
“The presentation of the Teagasc / FBD Student of the Year Awards is an important date in the annual agriculture calendar,” Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, said at the event.

“Young, enthusiastic, educated farmers are fundamental to the future prosperity of the agricultural sector. The value and return from an agricultural education to the operation of modern farm enterprises cannot be overstated. This is not only for the financial, technical, and environmental skills it provides, but also through the opportunity to see best practice in operation on host farms,” the minster added.

Danny Doyle completed a Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture and then a Level 6 Advanced Crops and Machinery Certificate at the Teagasc Kildalton Agriculture College. He currently farms with his parents on a large scale tillage operation near Rathangan in Co Kildare.
He was successful in the Full-Time Agriculture Category award.

Alana King from Co Clare, was successful in the ‘Full-Time Other Land-based Enterprises Category’. She graduated from the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship – Equitation - from Kildalton College.
She graduated with distinction on both her level 5 and level 6.

“This coveted award is a wonderful celebration of Teagasc education, our learners, teachers and facilities right across the country. Congratulations to all finalists and award winners. We look forward to their future career and personal achievements,” said Dr Anne Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc, who is from Freshford.