Roscrea students shine at Ploughing Championships Angus Beef Final

Coláiste Phobal's 2025 Irish Angus Beef National Finalists proudly represented their school at the National Ploughing Championships, where over the course of three memorable days, the students were officially presented with their five Irish Angus calves, which they have since brought home to Killavilla to begin the next phase of their project.

During the event, the students engaged with a number of prominent public figures, including Ministers Helen McEntee and Martin Heydon, TD Michael Healy-Rae, Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys, and IFA President Francie Gorman. Their achievements also attracted the attention of leading agricultural journalists such as Breifne O’Brien (Agriland) and Sarah McIntosh (Irish Farmers Journal), who conducted interviews with the group.

As part of their ongoing project, the students will rear and monitor the calves with a focus on producing more sustainable and environmentally friendly Angus beef. Their research will explore key areas including:

Enhancing animal performance through targeted nutrition and care; the importance of farm planning in successful agricultural operations; the role of red clover in improving farm sustainability and principles of regenerative farming and their application to cattle rearing.

Pictured above are the Coláiste Phobal group at the Ploughing Championships

Coláiste is immensely proud of the students’ achievement, recognising the dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work that has brought them to this prestigious stage of the competition.

A special word of thanks is extended to Mr. Thomas Pollard, Agricultural Science teacher, whose commitment, patience, diligence, and kindness have been instrumental in guiding the students throughout their journey. His support and encouragement have made a lasting impact on their learning and development.

The school also wishes to acknowledge Mr. Willie Smyth, who retired last Friday after many years of dedicated service as a Maths and Science teacher. Mr. Smyth has made significant contributions to the promotion of education and sport in the Coláiste, and his kindness, sincerity, and loyalty to the school community will be fondly remembered. We wish him every happiness in his retirement.

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Adding to the excitement, the school hosted a delegation from Belgium on Friday, comprising of representatives from a beef processing company. The Irish Angus calves were showcased during the visit, offering guests a first-hand look at the students’ work.

As part of the cultural exchange, the students also demonstrated their sporting skills with a hurling exhibition.
To conclude the day’s celebrations, Certified Irish Angus Beef provided freshly cooked Angus beef burgers to 5th and 6th year students via their food truck.