Roscrea students visit Gurteen College and local farms

Coláiste Phobal teachers, Mr. Pollard and Mr Smith, brought the school's fifth and sixth-year Agricultural Science students on a farm visit and also attended the Gurteen Agricultural College.

They started the excursion by going to Joe Mahers' farm (a former pupil of Coláiste Phobal), where the students saw a rotary milking parlour and a zero grazer in operation and had a discussion about the diet and breeding of cows.

The students then visited Gurteen Agricultural College where they received a guided tour by the College principal John Perry.

This was a very worthwhile educational visit, as John discussed all of the different enterprises the college has and all of the different courses on offer. The students were also impressed by the very impressive machinery and tractors that were on show at the expansive facility.

The group finished the day with a visit to Dooley's Woolen Store, where owner Kevin Dooley (also a former pupil) gave a very interesting talk on his business, the sheep industry, global markets and how important it is to buy premium Irish products.

It was a very informative day and Coláiste Phobal wish to thank Joe, John and Kevin for having the students and sharing their expertise.