Portglenone’s Rachel Moore shines at CAFRE Loughry Campus Awards Day

Rachel Moore from Portglenone was presented with the Dairy UK prize for attaining highest marks in dairy related subjects. Rachel received her award from Catherine Evans (Food Lecturer, CAFRE) at the Loughry Campus Awards Day.

Rachel Moore from Portglenone has been honoured as one of the top performing students at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) following a standout academic year.

Rachel achieved the highest possible grade of Triple Distinction Star (DDD*) in her OCN NI Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and also received a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Prize for academic excellence.

Rachel was among 39 Further Education students recognised at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus Awards Day in Cookstown on Friday 20 June 2025. The ceremony celebrated the hard work and commitment of learners progressing into higher education and careers within the Northern Ireland food industry.

Top Food Technology and Science student Rachel Moore from Portglenone receives the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Prize from Paul McHenry, CAFRE Director and Anna Kirkland, Deputy Senior Technical Manager, Avondale Foods (Guest Speaker) at the Loughry Campus Awards Day.

Dr Eric Long, who chaired the event, welcomed students and their families before introducing Guest Speaker Anna Kirkland, a former Loughry student now serving as Deputy Senior Technical Manager at Avondale Foods.

Dr Long said, “I am especially delighted that our Guest Speaker is Mrs Anna Kirkland… With her extensive knowledge and experience of the agri-food industry, Anna is well placed to address us today.”

Top Food Technology and Science student Rachel Moore from Portglenone receives the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Prize from Paul McHenry, CAFRE Director and Anna Kirkland, Deputy Senior Technical Manager, Avondale Foods (Guest Speaker) at the Loughry Campus Awards Day.

In his report, Mr Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education, praised the achievements of the students and confirmed that all recipients of the Extended Diploma are continuing their studies in Higher Education at CAFRE.

“This demonstrates to me the strong student satisfaction our learners have in our programmes. We are delighted they have a great ambition to succeed,” he said.

Rachel Moore’s academic success places her among an elite group of students, including others from across the region who also achieved DDD* in their Food Technology diplomas.

Bethany Small from Randalstown has completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Science at Loughry Campus. Bethany has secured a place on the new Food and Drink Academy, with ABP Food Group. Congratulating Bethany is Kate Taylor, Apprenticeship and Early Careers Manager at ABP UK.

Congratulations to Lucy Kane from Ballycastle who received a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Science at the Loughry Campus Awards Ceremony.

Mr McCann highlighted the outstanding performance of five learners who, “Achieved the top grade of triple Distinction star (DDD*) in their OCN NI Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology awards. These students include Aoibheann Devlin from Cookstown, Rachel Moore from Portglenone, Gemma McNeilly from Randalstown, Eloise Ruddell from Moneymore and Lucy Wylie from Dungannon.”

Seven students also earned a Certificate in Manufacturing Operations, awarded alongside their Extended Diploma qualification.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Prizes were awarded to Rachel Moore and Eloise Ruddell for academic excellence.

‘Earn as you learn’ Apprenticeship programmes enable those working in NI food businesses to attain a formal qualification, alongside developing knowledge and practical skills.

Mark Connolly from Lisnaskea was recognised as the top Level 3 Apprentice at the Loughry Campus Awards Day. Mark received the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Prize from Fintan McCann (Head of Food Education) and Teresa Conroy (Food Lecturer, CAFRE).

“This year top Apprenticeship DAERA awards go to Mark Connolly, a Level 3 Apprentice working with Kettyle Irish Foods and Norest Joka, a Level 2 Apprentice with Dubia,” reported Mr McCann.

CAFRE Director Mr Paul McHenry took time to commend both diploma students and apprentices. He noted that many students continue to work within Northern Ireland’s leading food businesses, such as ABP Linden Foods, Dunbia, Kettyle Irish Foods, and Lakeland Dairies, while also advancing their qualifications through Higher Level Apprenticeships and the Food and Drink Academy.

In her keynote address, Mrs Anna Kirkland inspired students with the story of her own career development, beginning at Loughry Campus.

Anna fondly recalled her time spent studying at Loughry Campus. An eager 16 year old Anna embarked on her journey into the Food Industry first applying to the Level 3 course, as recommended by her brother Stuart.

Congratulations to Megan McAteer from Drumsurn who received a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Nutrition at the Loughry Campus Awards Ceremony.

During her Level 3 programme Anna completed a period of work placement with Simply Fruit which proved to shape her career. She completed her studies and progressed on to the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Technology at CAFRE.

Working part-time and through holidays with the business, Anna further developed her skills and knowledge. She quickly progressed into the role of Technical Manager within the business.

With her sights set firmly on food safety Anna was appointed as Food Safety Manager with Avondale Foods in 2016. Anna now leads a team of middle managers ensuring foods manufactured are safe, nutritious and wholesome, reflecting that “food creates experiences in our lives, whether it’s memories of baking as a child, sharing a family meal or celebrating occasions, we all have a connection with food.”

Congratulations to Aoibheann Devlin from Cookstown who received a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Nutrition at the Loughry Campus Awards Ceremony.

Anna remarked to the students, “you are entering a key manufacturing sector which offers a range of pathways and exciting opportunities with excellent careers. My advice to you today is to: stay flexible and keep an open mind; embrace development opportunities and say yes to challenges; never loose sight of the big picture; and let your career surprise you!”

Level 3 student Lucy Wylie delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the support students received from CAFRE’s teaching and support staff throughout their studies.

Rachel Moore’s achievements, along with the other students, not only exemplify personal excellence but also reflect the strength of CAFRE’s education pathways in preparing young professionals for a dynamic, evolving food industry.

Paul McHenry (CAFRE Director) presented Norest Joka from Dungannon the DAERA Prize as most notable student on the Level 2 Apprenticeship programme. Norest works with Dunbia and was congratulated by Nicola Kerr (Senior Lecturer, CAFRE) at the Loughry Campus Awards Ceremony.

Students like Rachel are well-positioned to lead innovation in a sector increasingly shaped by sustainability, automation, and health-conscious consumer trends.

Lucy Wylie from Dungannon was presented with the Dunbia Prize at the Loughry Campus Awards Day. Congratulating Lucy on achieving highest marks in meat technology subjects are Victor Hazelton Technical Manager, Dunbia and Nicola Black (Food Lecturer, CAFRE).

Well done to Level 3 Apprentices, Mark Connolly (Lisnaskea) Daniel Kille (Enniskillen) and Eamon Connolly (Maguiresbridge) on completing Level 3 Certificates for Proficiency in Food Industry Skills.

Well done to Level 2 Apprenticeship learners Ester Matimbe, Megister Pfidze, Susan Vakisa, Dungannon and Norest Joka from Dunbia, Dungannon on attaining their Level 2 Proficiency in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills awards at the Loughry Campus Awards Ceremony.

For those considering a career in food and agri-business, CAFRE’s Loughry Campus offers expert-led programmes and industry partnerships that support both academic and practical development.

To learn more, visit www.cafre.ac.uk.