Galway man Dara Killeen has been named the 2020 Young Farmer of the Year at the annual competition run by Macra na Feirme.
The Meelick man was also the winner in the Dairy and Most Climate Change Conscious categories of the annual Young Farmer awards.
“Safe to say we are the proudest family in Ireland today,” Dara said of his win after the announcement.
“It takes a village to rear a child but it takes a lot more to rear a farmer. Too many people to thank for helping me to get to where I am today.
Safe to say we are the proudest family in Ireland today. It takes a village to rear a child but it takes a lot more to rear a farmer. Too many people to thank for helping me to get to where I am today. Young Farmer Of The Year 2020 🥳 pic.twitter.com/GOmAj3xLi3
— Dara Killeen (@chakilleen) November 28, 2020
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards are run annually by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA.
The competition was launched in 1999 and has been successful in raising the profile of young farmers within their community by recognising their achievements and contribution to farming.
In order to enter, participants must be under 35 years of age, a member of the IFA, and be involved in the running of their current farm for at least the past three years
The competition offers prizes of €500 for winners in each category, and a top prize of a €3,000 travel bursary for the overall winner.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue offered Dara congratulations for his “fantastic achievement”.
Huge congratulations to you on what is a truly fantastic achievement, Dara. https://t.co/lnGcyehe30
— Charlie McConalogue (@McConalogue) November 28, 2020
