Ballyhaise expect to increase intake after refurbishment

Ballyhaise Agricultural College is expecting to expand its intake after they conducted the official launch of a newly refurbished wing last week. Last Wednesday Deputy Joe O’Reilly was on hand to cut the ribbon on the outhouse which dates from the early 1800s, but which has benefited from a radical makeover.
The refurbishment project has seen the exterior stonework restored, and the interiors transformed into a classroom for approximately 30 students, an IT suite, library and student recreation room.
Originally the building was used to house animals on the ground floor, while the loft stored hay and grain. The dung shed has been preserved in almost its original state. Having rehoused the animals in the 1960s, the buildings had been used as a maintenance/workshop area.

Intake
“It means a great deal to the College,” enthused Anne Berrill house manager of the refurbished building. “This means improved facilities, more space for students, updated IT and a nice recreational area for students.”
Currently Ballyhaise caters for 150 full time students, and has an overall intake of up to 400 students, including those taking part-time and night courses.
“There will be an increase in numbers. We will have better facilities to cater for the increased demand in agricultural training.”
The launch night coincided with the annual student awards which recognised the achievements of this year’s class. At the graduation local TD, Joe O’Reilly was optimistic about the graduates’ future prospects.
“You are qualifying in a sector that remains the backbone of our economy. After the artificial boom in construction that was almost a Ponzi Scheme we are all looking in a renewed way to agriculture for economic recovery. Your sector contributes €24 billion, per annum, to the economy; 30% of net earnings abroad come from your sector. You represent an increasing and core element of our exports with very high, real earnings.”

Outstanding career
The Fine Gael deputy also paid tribute to retiring principal, Felix McCabe. “He has had an outstanding career as a teacher, an advisor, and as your principal for the last 16 years. He is credited with the modernisation of many dairy farms while maintaining the ability to relate to the very small or most traditional farmers,” said Deputy O’Reilly.
“As your principal he has overseen major refurbishment and development of the College.
“He has established links with Dundalk Institute Of Technology facilitating continuing to certificate, diploma, and degree level. Felix can be so proud of the current enrolment of 400 students.”