Ballyhaise College Claims Top Honours at Macra & Teagasc Ag Colleges Challenge Day
The 2026 Ag Colleges Challenge Day was hosted at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan on Wednesday, 11th February. The event was organised by Teagasc and Macra, and kindly supported by FRS.
Seven colleges took part in a full day of practical and skills-based competitions designed to test 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.
Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, was present for the event and said: "The Challenges Day is an important annual initiative that Teagasc are 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. The Challenges Day continues to be an important element to the practical and student-centred education experience that Teagasc provides to students through all its Colleges and programmes."
The Ag Colleges Challenge Day brought together Level 5 students from across the country to demonstrate the practical skills and teamwork essential for careers in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and equine sectors. The event also featured the FRS Memorial Scholarship competition, offering the winner a three-month placement with FRS.
Colette McInerney, Head of Operations with FRS commended the participants, saying: “The 2026 Ag Colleges Challenge Day showcased an exceptional level of knowledge, effort, and professionalism from the students. We were delighted to be involved again this year. It is very encouraging to see learners demonstrating such a high level of skill in all areas. Congratulations to Ballyhaise Agricultural College for winning this year’s FRS Fencing competition and Adam Doran from Roscommon (Mountbellew Ag College) on winning the FRS Presentation”
After a highly competitive day, the overall title was awarded to the Ballyhaise Agriculture team, who also secured victories in Welding, Tractor Driving, Fencing and the Final Team Challenge.
Category winners on the day were:
- 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
John Kelly, Principal of Teagasc Ballyhaise, was happy to see the event return to the college; “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. We worked very closely with Macra and FRS in organising the event, and that strong partnership ensured a very successful and enjoyable day for all involved. 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.”
Macra National President Josephine O’Neill congratulated participants, saying: “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. Congratulations to all winners, but particularly to the overall winners, Ballyhaise Agricultural College. I’m already looking forward to next year!”
The organisation also thanks Teagasc Ballyhaise for hosting the event, as well as FRS for their continued support in developing the next generation of skilled young people in the land-based sector.