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Family, friends and staff at Enniskillen Campus came together to celebrate a memorable day as students graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). Equine students joined fellow Higher Education students in Agriculture, Food, Horticulture and Packaging to mark this milestone.
The ceremony, hosted at Greenmount Campus, Antrim, marked the culmination of hands-on learning, dedication (especially those early morning yard shifts) and academic excellence. Higher Education Equine programmes delivered at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus are validated by Ulster University. Students and staff were pleased to welcome Professor Julie-Anne Little and Leslie George from the University to join the celebrations.
Graduates from the BSc Honours, Foundation Degree and Certificate of Higher Education programmes in Equine Management and Equine Science were honoured for their achievements. The event highlighted not only academic success but also the practical skills and leadership qualities that students have developed throughout their time at Enniskillen Campus.
Welcoming the students and guests to the ceremony Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) remarked: “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.”
CAFRE Director, Paul McHenry delivered his college report urging students to recognise that: “Today not only marks an important milestone in your lives, but as one step on a lifetime journey of learning. It is important that you take ownership of that journey, shaping your direction with purpose, confidence and ambition. The most successful professionals are those who never stand still, but continue to grow, adapt and innovate…”
Equine Management students at Enniskillen Campus enjoyed a year filled with travel, industry connections and opportunities to develop their skills. Congratulations were extended to all the students, with two notable students Nadia Donnelly from Omagh and Coraigh Lynch from Greysteel, who attained First Class Honours in their BSc (Hons) Equine Management degree courses.
Presenting the Prizes at the Graduation Ceremony, CAFRE was honoured to welcome Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Ochado Advisory. Joe, a familiar face in the equine industry, and CAFRE, is a highly experienced Thoroughbred racing and breeding executive who spent more than three decades with Darley and Godolphin where he was Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland before recently starting his own consultancy business.
Joe delivered a thought provoking and inspiring speech sharing life lessons of his own expansive career. “The future looks bright for you as graduates … 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 acknowledged the dedication the students had shown for their subjects, and that Equine, Agriculture, Food and Horticulture are in the interface of urban and rural. Joe remarked: “You are entering a world underpinned by science with inspiration, you understand the importance of sustainability in a fragile global ecosystem… What you have learned at CAFRE is the wisdom of mother nature.” Joe urged the students to consider their goals and direction in life adding: “You leave today with a blank canvas, on which you can paint your own futures. It will be painted by the choices and decisions you make … over time your choices will layer into a self-portrait of your character. Live a life of purpose and a life defined by a clear set of values… From today you are responsible for navigating your own life’s journey, that’s not a burden, it’s a prize, make the most of it.”
As the Class of 2026 steps into the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them the knowledge, passion, and professionalism that define Enniskillen Campus’ Equine graduate reputation. Final words of encouragement were shared by the CAFRE Director to: “Be proud of all you have achieved, take time to recognise and celebrate your successes, both big and small, along the way and always remember that success is not just about what you know; it is about what you do with that knowledge.”
If you are interested in a course to start or support your career in the equine industry, please visit the CAFRE website to discover our range of full-time, part-time and short courses. Applications are still be accepted for courses starting in September 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption – 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.
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