Pictures: Celebrations as Kilkenny farmers graduate from Sustainable Farming Academy

Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy paid tribute to Tirlán milk supplier and talented cyclist Tomás Walsh who passed away tragically in Paris during the summer.

“We are thinking of Tomás today as his parents join the graduation class to collect his diploma. Tomás was a very engaged and valued class member, and our thoughts are very much with the Walsh family.”

Robert Murphy, Global Supply Director for Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, said: “At Baileys, sustainability is deeply rooted in how we operate, and supporting farmers through this programme is a key part of that. The dedication of these graduates highlights the progress being made to create a more sustainable future in farming.”

ABOVE: 

Back Row (l-r) – Niall O’Loughlin (Kildare), James O’Brien (Kilkenny), Eamonn McEnteggart (Louth), Liam Walsh (Carlow), Larry Kavanagh (Wexford), Conor Broderick (Laois), Sylvester Phelan (Laois), James Power (Waterford)

Middle row (l-r) – Carol Power (Senior Sales Manager, Tirlán), Patricia Kehoe (Wexford) Lisa Koep (Kilkenny), David French (Wexford), Seamus Cogan (Wexford), Stephen Byrne (Kildare) Frank Walsh (Waterford), Róisín Cummins (Kilkenny), John Flood (Kilkenny), Colette Quigley (Waterford), and Brigid Coffey (Waterford)

Front row – University College Cork Academic Team Members including President of UCC Professor John O'Halloran (centre).

Belinda Gascoigne, ACE Centre Manager and Programme Director for UCC, said: “Watching these twenty dedicated farmers complete their Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate fills me with immense pride.

“Over the past year, they have demonstrated remarkable commitment to balancing their demanding farm responsibilities with rigorous academic study. The knowledge and practical skills they have gained will not only transform their own farming operations but will ripple out to benefit their communities and the broader agricultural sector.

Delivered by UCC, the diploma is accredited and fully funded, enabling farmers to balance their studies with full-time farm responsibilities.

The programme covers a range of important topics, including Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection, and Practical Environmental Management.