The application process for the next instalment of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition has closed, with organisers reporting an “overwhelming response” from secondary schools across the country.
“However, the 2020 numbers are by far the biggest increase we have ever seen,” Charles Smith, general manager of Certified Irish Angus, said.
“While other school activities may be cancelled this year, our competition provides [an] opportunity for young people to enjoy spending time outdoors.”
He added that there is not only a significant rise in applications, but also “widespread interest from rural and urban secondary schools nationwide”.
“The standard of applications continues to improve each year with students presenting fantastic leadership skills, forward-thinking and innovative strategies.”
The competition
The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition is an initiative from the Irish beef brand Certified Irish Angus and its processing partners, ABP and Kepak.
A shortlist of schools will be identified from this year’s applicants and they will be invited for interview in early 2021.
Due to the cancellation of the event because of the pandemic, 2020 finalists missed out on the opportunity to attend the National Ploughing Championships, where they would traditionally be presented with their calves.
Instead, in September, Certified Irish Angus delivered them directly to each of the schools to allow them to start their competition journey.
These schools include: Boherbue Comprehensive School, Co. Cork; Mercy Secondary School, Co. Longford; Gorey Community School, Co. Wexford; Carrick-On-Shannon Community School, Co. Leitrim; and The Abbey School, Co. Tipperary.