Midlands School Runner-Up At Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition

Five schools made it to the national final.

A midlands school is the runner-up of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.

Brendan’s Community School, Birr,  Offaly, were at the national final which took place in Croke Park but were pipped at the post for the title by  Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, Cork.

Five schools made it to the national final of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.

In total, 180 entries were received this year, with 50 secondary schools advancing to the next stage of the competition where they showcased their projects at Croke Park. Michael Moynihan, Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion at the Department of Education & Youth, as well as Dermot McGrath, Meat, Fish, Poultry & Egg (MFPE) Technical Manager for Tesco Ireland, spoke at the event as well as viewing the projects on display.

Supported by ABP and Kepak in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, the competition challenges Transition Year students to explore key issues facing Irish agriculture and sustainable beef production.

Each finalist team developed a research project examining the future of sustainable beef farming, covering themes such as farm technology, environmental performance, consumer awareness, soil health, carbon efficiency and the global positioning of Irish beef.

Students from St Brendan’s Community School projected look at how small practical adjustments, including soil health planning and carbon measurement tools, can improve sustainability on beef farms

The group from Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty's project focused on increasing awareness of the Certified Irish Angus brand, highlighting breeding efficiency, farm profitability and consumer education.

Increasing consumer perceptions of the value of beef, focusing on reducing food waste and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices was the focus that pupils from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar, Galway took.

FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody, Co Wexford looked at the positioning Ireland as a global leader in sustainable beef production, examining sustainability, innovation and the roles of women in agriculture.

While, Newport College, Newport, Tipperary exploired sustainable farm technology and how digital tools and planning can improve environmental and economic performance.

Kevin Cahill, Managing Director, ABP Ireland, said: “Congratulations to the students from Sacred Heart Secondary School in Clonakilty on winning this year’s Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition. The competition showcases the depth of talent, innovation and practical thinking among young people interested in agriculture. These students are engaging directly with the real challenges and opportunities facing Irish beef production, including sustainability and carbon efficiency, consumer awareness, and farm technology.”

The programme provides students with firsthand insight into the beef supply chain and the roles of sustainability, genetics, animal welfare, and environmental management in modern farming.

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