IHFA Student Bursary 2023

Mark Killian and Colin Grennan are the two Gurteen College student recipients of the IHFA bursary award this year. The bursary is an educational initiative for IHFA to maintain a close relationship with students completing their agricultural education and qualification. Gurteen College continues to breed a pedigree registered Holstein Friesian herd. Congratulations to both recipients; Mark Killian, Rathdrishogue, Castletown Geoghan, Co. Westmeath and Colin Grennan, Garrymore, Geashill, Co. Offaly.

Based on their written farm development business plan project, a short list of final-year students were short-listed. These short-listed students were then interviewed by the IHFA President, C.E.O. and a senior member of the Gurteen College staff. The successful candidates were chosen on the basis of their overall performance including technical knowledge and practical acumen. Mark and Colin are very deserving as bursary recipients. Both are very bright students, very conscientious in their approach to work and studies. Mark has returned home to farm with his parents and is in the process of developing up the dairy farm. Colin is continuing his Agricultural education, he is currently studying for a degree in Agricultural Science at the South East Technological University, Waterford. Colin is very involved on the family farm at home, the Garrymore registered herd and as an active member of the Laois Offaly club where he is the YMA coordinator and current representative on the National YMA committee.

IHFA attended the Gurteen College graduation ceremony to officially present the bursary certificates. IHFA sourced, presented and arranged delivery of a quality, top-breeding Holstein Friesian calf to both Mark and Colin. Thanks to both breeders for their collaboration with IHFA on this most worthwhile initiative, benefitting the newly qualified crop of young farmers who are setting out in their respective careers. Details of both breeders who kindly provided a top quality 2024 born calf: PJ, John and Emer Kelly and family, ROCHFORT herd, Rahanine, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath. Peter Bennett and family, CLONSAST herd (Pure Friesian), Clonsast, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Thanks to Gurteen College for the continued positive co-operation, especially Jon Parry, College Principal and all members of staff especially Richard Hamilton.