CAFRE equine graduates celebrated as Broughshane student picks up prestigious industry award

Amy Barr from Broughshane, Co Antrim was awarded with the Erne Veterinary Group Cup. Congratulating Amy is Jane Elliott, Head of Equine, CAFRE.

Students from across Northern Ireland have marked the culmination of years of study, early mornings and hands-on industry experience as CAFRE’s latest cohort of equine graduates celebrated their achievements at a special graduation ceremony.

Among those recognised was Broughshane student Amy Barr, who received one of the event’s standout honours after being awarded the Erne Veterinary Group Cup for outstanding performance in the Work Placement module on the Foundation Degree in Equine Management programme.

The award highlighted the strong links between CAFRE and the equine industry, with practical work experience continuing to play a central role in preparing students for careers across the sector.

Graduation marks milestone for equine students

Family, friends and staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), with equine students joining fellow graduates from Agriculture, Food, Horticulture and Packaging programmes.

The graduation ceremony was hosted at Greenmount Campus in Antrim and marked the successful completion of Higher Education studies delivered through CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus.

For many students, the occasion represented the end of years of commitment balancing academic work with practical training, including the early morning yard shifts that are part and parcel of life in the equine industry.

CAFRE’s Higher Education Equine programmes are validated by Ulster University, with representatives Professor Julie-Anne Little and Leslie George joining staff and graduates for the celebrations.

Recognition for academic excellence and practical skills

The Platform Party at the Higher Education Graduation Ceremony at CAFRE: Dr Paul Williams, (Queen’s University Belfast), Katrina Godfrey (Event Chair, DAERA), Paul McHenry (CAFRE Director), Professor Julie-Anne Little (Ulster University), Joe Osborne (Guest Speaker, Ochado Advisory) and Dr Eric Long (CAFRE).

Graduates from the BSc Honours, Foundation Degree and Certificate of Higher Education programmes in Equine Management and Equine Science were recognised for their achievements throughout the ceremony.

Alongside academic success, the event celebrated the practical expertise, leadership skills and professionalism students had developed during their time studying at Enniskillen Campus.

Speaking at the event, DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey said graduates had made an important investment in their futures.

“Graduates here today have made an important investment in their skills and knowledge that will provide the foundation of their future career, whatever that is and wherever it may take them,” she said.

First class honours for outstanding students

Nadia Donnelly from Omagh, Co Tyrone was presented with Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Prize when she graduated as the top student on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management programme. Congratulating Nadia is Martin McKendry, Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, DAERA, Jane Elliott, Head of Equine, CAFRE, Leslie George, Faculty Partnership Manager, Ulster University and Joe Osborne, Managing Director, Ochado Advisory.

The Class of 2026 included several high achievers, with Nadia Donnelly from Omagh and Coraigh Lynch from Greysteel both graduating with First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Equine Management.

Their achievements came following a year which saw students benefit from travel opportunities, industry engagement and practical learning experiences designed to strengthen their skills and career prospects.

CAFRE Director Paul McHenry encouraged graduates to view the occasion not as the end of their education but as the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.

“Today not only marks an important milestone in your lives, but as one step on a lifetime journey of learning,” he said.

“It is important that you take ownership of that journey, shaping your direction with purpose, confidence and ambition.”

He added that the most successful professionals are those who continue to grow, adapt and innovate throughout their careers.

Industry leader offers advice for the future

Christine Williams from Belfast, Co Antrim was awarded the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Prize as to the top student on the online Certificate of Higher Education Equine Science and Management course. Congratulations were conveyed by Martin McKendry, Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, DAERA, Alison Morris, Senior Lecturer, CAFRE, Leslie George, Faculty Partnership Manager, Ulster University and Joe Osborne, Managing Director, Ochado Advisory.

Florence Dowds from Lower Ballinderry, Co Antrim graduated with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management.

Grace Harrison from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim graduated with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Management.

The ceremony also welcomed guest speaker Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Ochado Advisory and a well-known figure within the international thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

Mr Osborne spent more than three decades with Darley and Godolphin, including serving as Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland, before recently launching his own consultancy business.

Addressing graduates, he described the day as a moment of both challenge and opportunity.

“The future looks bright for you as graduates,” he said.

“Today is a unique point in your journey, a time of challenge, a time of opportunity, you deserve to feel proud of what you have already achieved.”

He also highlighted the important role graduates would play in industries closely connected to both rural and urban communities, emphasising the growing importance of science, sustainability and innovation.

Applications remain open for September courses

As graduates begin the next stage of their careers, CAFRE said the Class of 2026 leaves with the knowledge, skills and professionalism that have become synonymous with its equine programmes.

The college is continuing to accept applications for full-time, part-time and short courses beginning in September 2026 for those considering a career in the equine industry or looking to build on existing experience.

Further information on available courses can be found at: https://www.cafre.ac.uk