Glens Of Antrim School triumphs in ABP’s Youth Agri-Skills Competition
St. Killian’s College Carnlough Students Triumph in ABP’s Youth Agriculture Skills Contest Three Year 12 students from St. Killian’s College in Carnlough, namely Emma Mitchell, Alex McAlister, and Peter Agnew, have emerged as champions of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge for the 2022-2023 period. Hailing from agricultural backgrounds, these students showcased their dedication and commitment to continuing the farming legacy of the Glens of Antrim. Their project, titled ‘A Health Approach to Agriculture,’ was brought to fruition with guidance from their CAFRE mentor, Sineád Mathers, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. The team was awarded the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and a monetary prize of £1,000 by ABP’s Managing Director in Northern Ireland, George Mullan, and Charles Smith, the General Manager of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. The second-place honor was awarded to Down High School, Downpatrick, for their project ‘Utilising Science to Capture Carbon’. Additionally, the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award was presented to Orlagh Donaghy of St. Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, for her research on ‘Succession Planning for a Successful Future’. George Mullan, in his congratulatory message, emphasized ABP’s commitment to nurturing young talent in Northern Ireland’s agricultural and food industry. He highlighted the ABP Angus Youth Challenge as a pivotal platform for providing practical experience and supporting the educational and career aspirations of young individuals in the sector. He commended the 2022 class for acquiring valuable skills and experiences that would benefit their future educational and career endeavors. The award ceremony was held at Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, attended by educators, parents, and industry professionals. The event also welcomed 31 new Year 11 teams participating in the 2023 ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition, aiming to be next year’s finalists. Four teams will be chosen to rear Angus cattle and participate in a study tour with ABP & Certified Irish Angus, marking the beginning of their year-long agricultural journey.
