Tipperary secondary school students honoured at Croke Park for research project

Above: From left, Charles Smith, General Manager, Certified Irish Angus with Emma Carey, Sophie Dennehy, Katie Butler and Lucy Kearney from Loreto Secondary School Clonmel, who were honoured for their contribution to the Certified Irish Angus School’s Competition at an awards ceremony in Croke Park

Four students from Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, were honoured at the annual Certified Irish Angus Schools competition awards ceremony at Croke Park.

Students Emma Carey, Sophie Dennehy, Katie Butler and Lucy Kearney attended the prestigious grand final after successfully completing a research project and rearing five Angus calves for an 18-month period.

The Certified Irish Angus Schools’ Competition, in association with ABP and Kepak, is an initiative that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus Cross calves for 18 months until their slaughter, which aids their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science curriculum. It aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand while communicating the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.

READ NEXT: Thrilling finish to memorial cycling race in Tipperary

The Clonmel students investigated the research topic “Using Technology to Raise Awareness of Health and Safety,” while also promoting the benefits of Angus Beef to their peers. The students were motivated by stories from their families and the prevalence of farm accidents.

They identified the key area of focus for their research; developing a farm safety app prototype called ‘Safeguarding Our Future’.

SEE MORE: Memories of former world boxing champion's visit to Tipperary

The students set about promoting their farm safety ideas via lesson plans. They tested this idea with first year classes in their school, which fed into the creation of an educational resource pack for primary school children.

As part of this pack, they had both tactile and written resources to promote beef as part of a healthy diet. This pack also included fun but effective games linked to safety awareness on farms.