Certified Irish Angus has announced the five finalist groups that will take part in the next iteration of its school competition today (September 16) at the National Ploughing Championships.

At an event hosted by social media personality and broadcaster James Kavanagh, the student groups from counties Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Kilkenny, and Waterford were presented with the Angus calves which they will rear over an 18-month period. 

In addition to rearing the calves, each group will complete a research project throughout the competition duration.

New for this year, finalists can for the first time avail of one-to-one mentorship throughout the competition experience.

Each group has been paired with a senior leader who holds specific technical and professional skills to benefit students.

This year’s mentors include representatives from Bord Bia, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Tesco Ireland, and Teagasc. 

Competition finalists 

The finalists represent a variety of regions and research interests, showcasing the breadth of the competition, and include:

Daniel O’Neill and Edward Moore from Ardscoil Na Mara, Co. Waterford, who will explore the research theme ‘Reducing Carbon Emissions in Beef Production Through Genomics and Sustainable Farm Practices’;
Kayla Boyle, Amy Rawdon, Holly Meehan, and Catherine Byrne from St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Co. Donegal, who will research the project theme ‘Supporting Generational Renewal, Longevity and Sustainability in Farming Through Education’;
Michael Twomey, Aaron Scannell, Timmy Buckley and Darragh Thompson from Coachford College, Co. Cork, who will research the project theme ‘Management Practices for Sustainable, High - Quality Beef to Support Environment, Animal and Human Health’;
Fionn Brady, Casey Johnston, Katie Fitzsimons and Louis Faulkner from Virginia College, Co, Cavan, who will investigate the project theme ‘Improving Water Quality Through Sustainable Practice’;
Rachel Walsh and Keelin Walsh from Loreto School, Co. Kilkenny, who will research the theme ‘Exploring Teenagers’ Perspectives of Food Origin’.

Speaking at the event, general manager of Certified Irish Angus, Charles Smith said: “The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition continues to provide young people with a unique opportunity to combine practical farming experience with research into some of the key issues shaping the future of Irish agriculture.

“We are particularly excited to introduce one-to-one mentoring this year, creating even stronger links between students and professionals across the agri-food sector and helping to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.”

Entries are currently open for the 2026/2027 cycle of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.

Transition Year students across Ireland are invited to apply before the deadline of October 31, 2026.

More details are available on the Certified Irish Angus website.