Graduation ceremony for almost 200 students at Gurteen College
Last Friday (January 24) was graduation day at Gurteen College, an event which celebrated the graduation of close to 200 students of its agriculrure programmes.
Lecturer Joe Daly was the Master of Ceremonies, taking everyone through the day's proceedings at the college in Roscrea. John Parkin, retired Methodist Minister, gave an informative opening address, with reference to both the college’s past and its future, as well as its consistent theme of “respecting the land”.
College Principal Jon Parry imparted positive words of wisdom, recounting some of the many past students he had met in the last few months who had shared endearing reflections of their time and learning at Gurteen College.
Jon also encouraged those present to consider what farming in 2050 may involve, and suggested technological advances will result in agriculture continuing to change at a pace, and these changes will require a high level of training.
As graduates move into the next stage of their life, Jon talked of the importance of enjoyment on a personal level and to cherish the friendships and memories created while studying at Gurteen College. Mike Pearson, retiring Principal, March 2020, presented the students with their certificates.
A number of special awards were made during the ceremony. The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) presented two awards for the top dairy student at Gurteen.
A first prize was presented to Niall Slattery, from Templederry, Nenagh and second to Sean Quinlan from Clermont, Nenagh.
The IFHA chief executive Charles Gallagher and President Patrick Gaynor praised the quality of Gurteen students, commenting that they found all the Gurteen College students to have acquired a high standard of knowledge, Niall and Sean both had high levels of technical dairying knowledge and demonstrated excellent critical thinking.
Liffey Mills donated an award for the best drystock student, which was presented to Rachael Dolan from Loughrea. This was presented on behalf of Liffey Mills by Karen Brosnan, Chair of the Gurteen College Board of Governors. Racheal was praised for her exceptional practical skills with both cattle and sheep and her detailed knowledge of husbandry.
Level 6 Dairy students were congratulated on raising €365.70 for Focus Ireland, and a cheque was accepted on behalf of Focus Ireland by John Parkin, Trustee of the college.
The Centenary Co-Op Thurles kindly awarded four bursaries which were presented on their behalf by Karen Brosnan. The students awarded were: Brendan Heeney (Roscrea), Roddy Teehan (Dunkerrin), Donncha Barry (Templemore) and Patrick Sammon (Shinrone).
During the day, many graduates took the opportunity to proudly show their family and friends around the impressive 1000-acre farm, sharing time and stories with staff and fellow graduates.
Applications are now open for 2020 intake of students, with three key modes of study available, full-time day study, part-time evening study, and distance learning study.
The next Gurteen College open day is on March 11, when potential students and their families can have guided tours of all the facilities and can to talk individually to teachers and current students.