Westmeath students take first prize in Certified Irish Angus Schools competition
(Left to right) Shane King, Eoin Robinson and Jack Larkin were announced as the overall winners of the 2025 Certified Irish Angus Schools competition at an awards ceremony in Croke Park. Photo: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Three students from Mercy Secondary School, Co Westmeath, have been announced as the 2025 Certified Irish Angus School competition winners.
Students Jack Larkin, Eoin Robinson, and Shane King took first prize at the awards ceremony held in Croke Park on March 7.
The Certified Irish Angus School’s competition in association with ABP and Kepak is currently in its 11th year.
The competition challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves for beef production for two years while also completing a research project. The competition aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand, while also conveying the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.
The winning Westmeath group was given the research topic “Applying Technology to Improve Angus Cattle Breeding” to be conducted over the two-year experience.
As part of their projects, the students developed a Bull Finder database to help farmers identify superior genetic animals. The students, who have an avid interest in social media and content creation, also started a podcast as part of the project called .
As part of their podcast, the students interviewed people within the agri-sector and Angus breed advocates. The podcast hosted some high-profile guests including former Irish rugby captain Rory Best and Ryanair CEO and Angus farmer, Michael O’Leary.
“These three unique young men have unlimited potential. Displaying a combination of IT skills, passion for breeding, practical farming ability and very strong bonds of friendship made this group something more than special. Their work simplified and gave a greater understanding of breeding indexes and their value in choosing breeding stock to the broader farming industry.
"The complexity of their work made them stand out and left the judges in awe of their ability. There is little need for concern for Irish agriculture with young men like these in the wings,” said Charles Smith, Certified Irish Angus general manager, about the 2025 winners.
On completion of the project, each of the finalists receives the financial benefit involved in the selling of the animals to the processors which amounts to an average €10,000 per group. The overall winning students also receive an additional grant of €2,000 for their further education.
Runners-up were from Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise. Nicole Briody from Ballyjamesduff Co Cavan, also received an outstanding achievement award for her contribution to the competition.
