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Bandon student had highest mark in Ireland in Ag Science

December 19th, 2016 8:10 AM

By Southern Star Team

UCD's Aoife Roche will receive her award in March

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A Bandon Grammar School student has been awarded the Marty Barrett Award 2016 for the highest mark in Agricultural Science in the Leaving Certificate.

A BANDON Grammar School student has been awarded the Marty Barrett Award 2016 for the highest mark in Agricultural Science in the Leaving Certificate.

Aoife Roche from Kilbrittain will receive her award from the Irish Agricultural Science Association at their annual conference in March, capping a remarkable two years in the subject.

Perhaps surprisingly, Aoife does not hail from a farming background, taking on the subject due to an interest in science in general rather than specific to agriculture.  

‘However, it soon became apparent that she had a real aptitude for Agricultural Science and married this with an incredible work ethic,’ said her proud teacher Mr Finbarr Buckley.

Mr Buckley said he began to really see her flourish as she began working on her project.  She focused on pig farming and barley production and really came into her own as she engaged in this research. ‘I have rarely seen someone work so hard,’ he said. 

Aoife is now studying Agricultural Science at UCD and Mr Buckley will also be in attendance when she receives her award in March.

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