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# Bandon students win calf-rearing competition for exceptional achievements
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/bandon-students-win-calf-rearing-competition-for-exceptional-achievements/
- Published: 2018-03-15T01:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T09:38:25.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: #ABP Food Group, beef

During a prestigious ceremony held at Croke Park, Mark Shorten and Conor Lehane of St. Brogan’s College in Bandon, County Cork, were declared the top achievers of the 2018 Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition. This event, a collaborative effort by the Irish Angus Producer Group and ABP, sets forth a challenge for students to nurture five Irish Angus Cross calves over an 18-month period until they reach the point of slaughter, integrating this task into their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science project. The competition's primary goal is to instill in secondary school students a comprehensive understanding of the meticulous care and marketing strategies necessary to deliver premium quality beef to consumers. Award Recipients Originating from Bandon, a region renowned for its dairy and beef farming, Mark and Conor have deep familial ties to the agricultural community. The duo conducted an in-depth study on the advantages of crossbreeding Irish Angus with Friesian calves for dairy and beef mixed farms, sharing their insights at local co-ops, markets, and various gatherings. Their campaign participation also served as a means to contribute to their community, notably through organizing a fundraising event for the local Cancer Connect charity. They generously allocated a substantial portion of their calf sales proceeds to the West Cork Rapid Response Unit and their school, supporting mental health initiatives for students. Charles Smith, the General Manager of the Irish Angus Producer Group, remarked, “It was immediately evident that Mark and Conor were not only deeply committed to farming but also embodied the qualities of exceptional students and mature individuals. Throughout the competition, they not only showcased their dedication to the project but also their altruism through charitable efforts and their support for fellow participants.” Second Place Athlone Community College students secured the runner-up position by examining the impact of farm standards, such as health, safety, and organization, on animal performance. Other notable finalists included CBS, The Green in Tralee, Kerry, Rice College in Westport, County Mayo, and Coláiste Treasa in Kanturk, County Cork. Exceptional Individual Recognition Ciaran Calvey of Rice College, Westport, was honored with the ‘Outstanding Individual’ award for his fervent dedication to agriculture, exceptional commitment to the project, and the care of the animals. The Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition is designed to bridge classroom learning with practical experience. Finalists benefit financially from the sale of the animals to processors, which averages €6,550\. Additionally, the winning students receive a €2,000 grant to support their further education. Future Directions The competition's organizers are in the midst of selecting five new schools from a pool of 28 that presented their project proposals at the Croke Park event. The selection panel includes representatives from Bord Bia, The Irish Farmers Journal, ABP, Kepak, the National Ploughing Association, Tesco Ireland, and several full-time farmers. The schools that best demonstrate their grasp of the project will be revealed in April and will receive their calves at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2018.