Teagasc has appointed Marianne Lyons as the new assistant principal in Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan.

Lyons graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a primary degree in Forestry and subsequently completed a research master’s degree from UCD in the area of health and safety.

She also holds a master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of Ulster.

Lyons has been a college lecturer in Forestry at Ballyhaise College for a number of years and has coordinated the forestry courses and has been involved in the management of the forest and woodland areas during that time, according to Teagasc.

Prior to Ballyhaise College she worked in estate management in the UK, in commercial fruit production in New Zealand, and carried out forest inventory in the south-east region on behalf of Coillte, the state forest management company.

Speaking on her appointment, Lyons said: “I am really looking forward to this new role and working with everyone in the college to continue to provide new and innovative learning opportunities for students in the land-based sector.

“Through my experience of being involved in forestry and other courses at Ballyhaise College over the last 16 years, I feel there is lots of potential for full-time and part-time farmers to explore a range of land-based programmes.

“At Ballyhaise College we can support them in developing viable career options into the future,” she added.

Head of Teagasc education Tony Pettit congratulated Lyons on her appointment as assistant principal, saying:

Marianne brings to this role a wealth of experience of delivering education courses, both in theory and in terms of practical application on enterprises.

“I wish her every success in this post. I would also like to thank Oliver Tierney for his contribution to the Teagasc education programme and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.”

Lyons takes over as assistant principal from Oliver Tierney who has recently retired from Teagasc having spent over 40 years involved in agricultural education.

She will join the current management team in Ballyhaise along with college principal John Kelly.