Kildare students qualify for calf rearing finals
Ruby Boland Eleanor Lyons and Zoe Slevin-O'Brien representing Kildare in Croke Park
THREE Naas students from Gaelcholàiste Chill Dara have advanced to the Schools Certified Irish Angus Calf Rearing National finals in Croke Park next month.
This competition is in association with partners Keepak and ABP, and will showcase their project, titled ‘Mnà le Grà ar an bhfeirm 2026 - The invisible force’.
The students Ruby Boland Eleanor Lyons and Zoe Slevin-O’Brien, form team GCCD to "explore the visibility and dual role of women on the farm and in the home in sustainable practices in Irish farming and in the agri sector as a whole, often diversifying with innovative ideas, and products”.
The students have completed two rounds of the competition so far, presenting their concepts in speeches initially.
Then, it was on to Dublin to deliver their presentations in front of an assessing panel of representatives from the Certified Irish Angus Producers group, Keepak and ABP in January.
Now they have advanced out of 178 schools to the finals.
The girls now compete to be selected as one of five schools that will get the chance to rear five Certified Angus calves over an 18-month period, in line with best practices and aligning a researched innovative project as well.
The competition opens up for Kildare girls the chance to explore the world of agriculture with their whole school community and beyond as they seek to drive the power and importance of beef and sustainable farming in all our lives.
2026 is International Women Farmers Year and these girls connect well with fellow Lilywhite St Brigid, Irelands Patron Saint of Farming.
The 'Five Bridies' as they called their team hope to use this platform to 'beef' up their performances in school, sports and well-being, as they received high praise for their communication skills, personalities and innovative by-product creation as well.
