Teagasc names two new principals of Cork, Cavan agricultural colleges

Teagasc has named new agricultural colleges principals — Majella Moloney in Teagasc Agricultural College, Clonakilty, Co Cork; and John Kelly in Teagasc Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan.

Kerry native Majella Moloney holds a degree in Animal Science from University of Wales Aberystwyth. Hailing from Duagh. She started her career with Teagasc in 2001 as a Reps advisor in Mayo and Limerick. In 2006, she took up position as a college lecturer in Clonakilty Agricultural College, becoming assistant principal in 2008.

Speaking on her appointment, she stressed the importance of agricultural education and highlighted the range of courses that are on offer at Teagasc agricultural colleges.

Ms Moloney said: “Clonakilty Agricultural College has excellent resources to provide agricultural training and has also developed strong links with Moorepark, who operate a research dairy herd in Clonakilty.

“Students now have the opportunity through Cork Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee to pursue Agricultural courses at Level 7 and level 8. I encourage all those planning a career in agriculture to consider the range of courses on offer at Teagasc Clonakilty and the progression routes that may be available.”

John Kelly takes over as head of Teagasc Ballyhaise from Felix McCabe, who has retired after a distinguished career in Teagasc. Mr Kelly holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from Waterford Institute of Technology.

A native of Killygordon, Co Donegal he has worked in Teagasc education for the past 12 years. He joined Teagasc as a lecturer in machinery in Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College, Co Kilkenny, where he was also course co-ordinator for the Machinery and Crop Management Course.

In 2010, he took on the role of assistant principal in Kildalton. From 2011 to 2013, he has worked as principal in Clonakilty Agricultural College.

Mr Kelly said: “This is an exciting time to be involved in agricultural education. Demand for our courses is strong. Within Food Harvest 202,0 significant potential for the industry is set out and people want to be part of this growth. The challenge for us in the college is to educate our students, giving them the skills and knowledge to maximise their potential within the industry.”

Ballyhaise College is located on 220 hectares of grassland and provides training in agriculture and forestry and has developed close links with the local Institute of Technology in Dundalk . Over 300 students are registered on courses in Ballyhaise Agricultural College. The college is also a significant Teagasc centre for advisory services as well as dairy research.

Teagasc’s head of education, Tony Pettit, said: “The growth in the number of students attending Teagasc-run courses is testament to the high quality people involved in the delivery of our courses. Majella and John have excellent track records as educators in Teagasc during their careers, and that experience will ensure that the respective colleges continue to lead agricultural education in Ireland.”

As the 2013/14 education year commences, enrolments on Teagasc run courses stand at over 1,900. Subject to final offers/ acceptances the indications are that enrolment levels will be on a par with the higher levels of 2012. The total number of students on Teagasc further education courses and Teagasc-linked higher education exceeds 3,600.