Go-ahead agriculture student reaps top award

A TIPPERARY man with a love for the land has been hailed as a prime example to his peers.

James Breen from Lisduff, Lattin, County Tipperary is a student of agriculture at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). He has been rewarded with the FBD National Student of the Year award for 2006.

He received his award from Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan. Mr Breen came to WIT having completed courses at Kildalton College, Co Kilkenny and Clonakilty Agricultural College in Co Cork.

Mr Breen, aged 22, helps run the dairy, cattle and sheep operations on his home farm and is overseeing a land reclamation programme on the farm.

WIT director Prof. Kieran Byrne said: “Agriculture remains a hugely-important element of Ireland’s economic mix and is at the heart of rural communities, as well of course as being key in Ireland’s thriving food and agri-tourism industries.

“With young people like James coming through, the future looks bright for this indigenous industry.”