A total of 28 students celebrated June 26 after successfully completing a comprehensive six-month programme designed to prepare them for careers in the thoroughbred industry. The ceremony feting the 2024 Class of the Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course took place at the Irish National Stud, Co Kildare.
The event, hosted by Leo Powell, began with formal addresses from Irish National Stud Board Member Clodagh Kavanagh, who delivered a speech on behalf of Chairman Dan Flinter and CEO Cathal Beale.
Grace Hamilton (USA) and Tadgh McGuinness (Ireland) delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the class, expressing their gratitude to all the lecturers, staff, industry hosts and all who helped them throughout their journey on the course.
During the ceremony several graduates were recognised for their outstanding performance and contributions, including
Tadhg McGuinness – Continuous Assessment Award; Luke Kevin – Best Portfolio of Assignments; Kayla Bracken – Veterinary Exam Award; Shane Loughnane – Equine Business Award.
Additionally, the INS 'Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship' was awarded to Ian Hyland from Co. Kildare, who will commence his internship with the INS in July, while the Goffs Internship was awarded to Orla Hassett, Co. Waterford.
Loughnane, the recipient of the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award, was presented with a cheque for €250 and a trophy for his winning article which will be published in The Irish Field in the coming weeks.
Each year, gold and silver medals are awarded to the top two achieving students. This year the prestigious gold medal was presented to Loughnane, who demonstrated an outstanding performance in all aspects of the course with the silver medal being awarded to Grace Hamilton.
“Our graduates this year have shown an extraordinary commitment to their studies and the Thoroughbred breeding industry,” said Anne Channon, Education Manager. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see them contribute to the future of the Thoroughbred industry.
The Complete Class of 2024
Brady Betlamini (Canada), Luke Bleahen (Ireland), Kayla Bracken (USA), Gwen Browne (Ireland) – recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Mikey Cooke (Ireland), Cillian Cosgrave (Ireland), Luis Ettedgui (Venezuela) – recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Wyatt Goodin (USA), Amber Gray (Australia) – recipient of the HTBA Scholarship, Jamie Griffin (New Zealand) – recipient of the TBA scholarship, Grace Hamilton (USA) – recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Orla Hassett (Ireland), Ian Hyland (Ireland), Caitlin Jourdan (South Africa) – recipient of the South African Scholarship, Paul Kehoe (Ireland), Luke Kevin (Ireland), Shane Loughnane (Ireland) – recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Cathal Mariga (Ireland), Henrique Marquez (Brazil), Eliza McCalmont (UK), Darcy McGrath (Australia), Tadhg McGuinness (Ireland), Mark Moloney (Ireland), Katel Molony (Ireland), Tara Murphy (Ireland), Lola Queck (Germany), Broke Ward (Australia), Alice Wilkinson (New Zealand) – recipient of the NZTBA Scholarship.
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