Mercy Kilbeggan students impress MEPs in Brussels
Four students from the Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan recently travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels as part of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.
Chloe McDermott, Mary Ellen Colton, Trása Bracken and Sinéad Bracken were chosen as finalists at the National Ploughing Championships last year.
They presented their projects at an event in the Parliament, hosted by Fine Gael’s Colm Markey and attended by MEPs Sean Kelly, Clare Daly, Mick Wallace and Luke Flanagan.
The students focussed on the theme, 'Exploring the Opportunities of a Low Carbon Beef Brand. Angus Breed to Succeed'.
MEP Markey said the standard this year was incredibly high and MEPs were highly impressed.
He commented: “This year’s finalists have demonstrated an outstanding level of knowledge and expertise in areas like health and safety, animal welfare, consumer awareness and sustainability. Their research and presentations have shown a deep understanding of the most pressing issues facing agriculture today. It is heartening to see young people taking such a keen interest in the future of our agri-food sector and I am confident that they will play a crucial role in shaping its development in the years to come. All of the MEPs were blown away by this year’s presentations.”
This competition challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project. The initiative aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand while educating students about the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.
MEP Markey concluded, “I am delighted to see the success of the Irish Angus Schools Competition and its impact on the next generation of Irish farmers. This competition is a fantastic way to introduce young people to the world of agriculture and instil in them a passion for farming. I commend the dedication of the students, teachers, and sponsors who make it possible. Their hard work and commitment to promoting Irish agriculture is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of the Irish Angus Schools Competition in the years to come.”