Kildalton College in Piltown, County Kilkenny was the host for the 2024 Macra & Teagasc Colleges Challenges Day, held on 14th February.
Teams of twelve students from Teagasc and private agricultural colleges around the country competed in sport, presentations, and land based skills learned during the college year such as stock judging, tractor driving, fencing and teamwork challenges.
It was very close competition all day, with the outcome being decided at the final challenge. Many thanks to everyone who organised a competitive and enjoyable day. Thanks to Kildalton College for hosting the event and to the staff and judges from Marca, Teagasc, Farm Relief Services (FRS), National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and to Michelle Foley and her team from Tug of War Ireland (TOWI).
The FRS Memorial Scholarship Presentation has been a long term feature of the Macra and Teagasc Colleges Challenges Day. The topic this year was Leadership in Sustainability – Focusing on Biodiversity. Alana Brigdale from Mountbellew Agricultural College won the presentation.
‘EXCEPTIONAL’ PARTICIPANTS
Elaine Houlihan, Macra President said: “Macra are delighted to support and run such a successful event with Teagasc, FRS, NBI and TOWI. All the students who participated in this year’s Colleges Challenges day were exceptional and we would like to thank everyone who participated. Young farmers and rural people play a crucial role in our organisation, and it is great to see the up-and-coming generation of young farmers across the board. Congratulations to Kildalton College on winning this year’s Colleges Challenge Day.”
The winners of the different challenges were: Tug of War – Kildalton College; Simulator Challenge – Clonakilty Agricultural College; NBI Farm Business and Technology Award – Kildalton College; FRS Scholarship – Mountbellew Agricultural College; Stock Judging – Mountbellew Agricultural College; Team Tractor Driving Competition – Clonakilty Agricultural College; FRS Fencing – Clonakilty Agricultural College; Problem Solving Competition – Kildalton College; Final Team Challenge – Kildalton College; Overall winners – Kildalton Agricultural College.
