Gladiator Kevin crowned young farmer of the year

OFFALY dairy farmer Kevin Heavin has been selected as Macra na Feirme’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year after an exciting final in the Seafield Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford, last night.

Mr Heavin took home the top prize of a specially commissioned piece by artist Erich Fichtner and a travel bursary worth €3,000.

Arguably more gruelling than any beauty pageant, Heavin had to see off 400 entrants — reduced to 25 semi-finalists yesterday afternoon, and finally down to six finalists — before lifting his crown late last night. Gladiators have earned everlasting fame for far lesser body counts.