STUDENT GRADUATION CEREMONY

On Friday, July 5^th the sun shone brightly as thirty students from twelve countries graduated with flying colours from the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course. The graduation ceremony which took place on the grounds of the prestigious County Kildare stud farm saw parents, friends and representatives from the Thoroughbred industry join the students to celebrate the awarding of certificates and prizes.

The world renowned six-month residential course equips students with the practical and theoretical aspects of thoroughbred breeding while also giving them the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most influential people in the industry. Graduates of the course are highly sought after by employers and this year it is great to announce that all the graduates will be going into gainful employment all over the world following their departure from the course.

Student speakers Nicholas Cope, Tipperary and Lucie Dieuaide, France spoke about the special friendships made and reminisced about the fun times enjoyed by the group. They also paid special tribute to the stud staff, guest lecturers and those who hosted the group on their many site visits.

Cathal Beale, CEO congratulated the 48^th graduating class from the Irish National Stud. ‘The students leave Tully with a wealth of knowledge but more with a wealth of fantastic friends and contacts. We wish them all the very best for their future.’

Anne Channon, Education Development Manager commented, ‘they were an exceptional group of students and it was lovely to see them develop over the past six months. I wish them all the very best with their next adventure as they join their new employers near and afar’.  

In addition to the presentation of INS certificates individual awards were presented to the following;

David Skelly, Limerick was presented with The Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award by Leo Powell. David was presented with a cheque for €250 and a trophy for the article which will be published in The Irish Field in the coming weeks.

The INS Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship was awarded to Conor Hyland, KIldangan, Co. Kildare. Conor will begin his twelve-month business internship at the Irish National Stud in August.

The award for Portfolio of assignments, Jock Ferguson of New South Wales, Australia

First place in the Veterinary exam was awarded to Poppy Walton, Oxfordshire, England

First place in Continuous Assessment went to Lucie Dieuaide, Les Monceaux, France

First place in the CEO written exam, Nadine Gut, Switzerland

The Silver Medal Second Place overall was awarded to Poppy Walton, Oxfordshire, England

The Gold Medal First Place overall was awarded to Nick Cope, Tipperary, Ireland

Gold Medal winner Nick Cope and Silver Medal winner, Poppy Walton who was also First in the Veterinary Exam

Gold Medal winner Nick Cope with Anne Channon, Dr Sean Brady, Director, and Cathal Beale CEO of The Irish National Stud

Nadine Gut accepting CEO Exam Award from Cathal Beale

Dr Sean Brady, Director INS presenting Certificate Of Distinction and Continuous Assessment to Lucie Dieuaide

Dr Sean Brady, Director INS presenting Certificate Of Distinction and First Place in Veterinary Exam to Poppy Walton

Christy Grassick, Susan Fitzpatrick, Conor Hyland accepting Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship from Sharon Fitzpatrick

Dr Sean Brady, Director INS presenting Certificate Of Distinction and Award for Portfolio Of Assignmants to Jock Ferguson

Leo Powell presents Blue Hen Award to David Skelly

Award winners, l-r: Jock Ferguson, Australia, David Skelly, Limerick, Lucie Dieuaide, France, Poppy Walton, UK, Nick Cope, Tipperary, Nadine Gut, Switzerland, Conor Hyland, Kildare.