Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co. Cavan claimed the top prize at the Ag Colleges Challenge Day, which took place earlier this month.

The event, which was organised by Teagasc and Macra, was hosted by Ballyhaise College itself.

Seven colleges took part in a full day of practical and skills-based competitions based on teamwork, technical ability and problem-solving across a range of land-based disciplines.

Competing teams represented Salesian College; Ballyhaise Forestry; Ballyhaise Agriculture; Mountbellew College; Kildalton College Equine; Kildalton College Agriculture; and Gurteen College.

The Ag Colleges Challenge Day brought together Level 5 students to demonstrate the skills needed for careers in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and equine sectors.

After the day's competitions, the overall title was awarded to the Ballyhaise Agriculture team, representing the host college.

That team also secured victories in welding, tractor driving, fencing and the final team challenge.

The winners of each category was as follows:

Overall Winners: Ballyhaise Agriculture;
Soccer: Mountbellew College;
Welding: Ballyhaise Agriculture;
Tractor Simulator: Kildalton College Agriculture;
FRS Memorial Scholarship Presentation: Mountbellew College;
Specialist Skills: Ballyhaise Forestry;
Tractor Driving: Ballyhaise Agriculture;
Fencing: Ballyhaise Agriculture;
Team Problem Solving: Mountbellew College;
Final Team Challenge: Ballyhaise Agriculture.

Commenting on the event, Stan Lalor, Teagasc director of knowledge transfer, said: "The challenges day is an important annual initiative that Teagasc is delighted to facilitate in collaboration with Macra and all our partners.

"It is a great opportunity for students to participate and represent their respective colleges, and for students to meet, network and compete with each other across a range of skills and activities," Lalor added.

Josephine O'Neill, Macra national president, said: "On behalf of Macra, I’d like to congratulate each and every student who participated in the Ag Colleges Challenge Day.

"It was clear that all teams put a huge effort into preparing for the day, with many different skills and talents demonstrated throughout the day," O'Neill added.

John Kelly, Principal of Teagasc Ballyhaise College, said: "We were absolutely delighted to host the Ag Colleges Challenge Day here at Ballyhaise for the first time since 2014.

"It was a fantastic occasion for the college and for agricultural education more broadly...I am particularly proud of our students, not only for representing the college so well throughout the competition, but also for winning the overall title. It was a tremendous achievement and a credit to their hard work, skill and teamwork," Kelly added.