Overjoyed Heavin top Young Farmer
Shortly after being crowned, Heavin said: “To be honest, I was stunned when they called out my name. I was delighted just to get to the final. The only other medal I have is an Offaly County Junior B Hurling medal with my club, Belmont GAA.
“We were 16 years trying to get that, but this young farmer award feels even better. This is a completely different kettle of fish. It’s a recognition of the work we’ve put in building up our milk quota, concentrating on dairy and getting out of beef and sheep. We’ve made a firm commitment to dairy, and we’re looking to a bright future after the end of the milk quota era.”
Kevin won the top prize of a specially commissioned piece by clare-based artist Erich Fichtner and a travel bursary worth €3,000.
Substantial prizes were also awarded to runner-up Denis Finnegan from Cork, and third place Colm Ryan from Clare.
Aoife Ladd, from Cork, received the Special Prize for Community Involvement from IFA chief executive Pat Smith, while Caroline O’Neill, also from Cork, received the Award for Innovation in Farming by Macra na Feirme CEO Edmond Connolly. Also in the final were Kildare’s Shane O’Loughlin, Limerick’s Fiachra Liston, and Mayo’s Gerard Burke.
