Clonbonny’s Aoibh receives Rising Rural Star accolade

Clonbonny native Aoibh Dully was named the over-12 Rising Rural Star by the Irish Farmers Journal at this year's National Ploughing Championships.

The Our Lady's Bower student was recognized for her hard work, dedication to inspiring young people, and significant contributions to her local community, including a passion for horses, traditional Seán Nós dancing, and music.

The Irish Farmer's Journal Rising Rural Stars Competition took place on Tuesday, September 16.

The competition saw 15 young people with a passion for rural life and community spirit interviewed in the Irish Farmer's Journal tent by editor Jack Kennedy and Irish Country Living editor Ciara Leahy.

As part of the competition, 15-year-old Aoibh gave an impromptu performance of her Seán Nós dancing skills after she told the audience she has been dancing since she was a small child.

Aoibh’s passion for equine and her ponies along side her passion for music and dance shone on the day when she was asked to dance on stage while being interviewed.

She is also a great ambassador for young people, especially her concertina students, who she teaches every Friday night in Dún na Sí in Moate.

Sharing their delight for Aoibh, Our Lady's Bower shared a post to social media reading:

"Throughout her years in our school, Aoibh stood out as a truly inspirational student. Always diligent and friendly, she showed a remarkable work ethic. It often seemed she had a full day’s work done before even opening a book.

"Beyond the classroom, Aoibh’s passions shone through: her great love for horses, her gift for Seán Nós dancing (which she showcased on several occasions), her talent as a traditional musician on the concertina, and performing as a member of Our Lady's Bower trad group.

"Aoibh, you absolutely deserve this honour. You were a fabulous student, an outstanding role model, and we could not be prouder of you."

Three prizes were up for grabs on the day: an awards for under 12's, one for over 12's, and an overall winner.

Awards on the day went to Ollie and Finn Dawdry in the under-12 category, with Aoibh Dully winning the over-12 award. The overall Rising Rural Star was awarded to Brooke Morrow.