Mountbellew Agricultural College was established by the Franciscan Brothers in 1904. The only agricultural college in Connacht, it caters for 900 students annually. Dr. Edna Curley, Principal of Mountbellew Agricultural College, diligently takes charge of leading the agricultural education and training of the next generation of farmers - numbering circa 900 students, annually. Established by the Franciscan Brothers in 1904 Mountbellew is the oldest college in Ireland. It is the only agricultural college in the province of Connacht. Edna who manages a teaching staff of 23 is proud of the deep heritage and historical contribution that the college has made. Yet with contemporary teaching methods now embraced, it is indicative of a philosophy to keep progressing and adapting in line with technological advances and societal change.
of background, gender or academic ability” underpins the Mountbellew ethos. Edna hails the inclusive approach espoused by her vocational predecessors, where not only did the Brothers teach the necessary technical farming skills but the students also received a broader, more rounded education to equip themselves with life skills. Appointed as College Principal in June 2019, Edna is now two years into the role. From the outset the college and farm facilities were identified as hugely significant resources to continually attract healthy student numbers.
Fostering strategic relationships with local third level educational institutes and providing a selection of customised courses is one example of this evolution. Course delivery through distance learning is another such example. A number of short courses in skills training, farm management, farm safety and other farming topics are also provided. The philosophy of the founding congregation the Franciscan Brothers is that every human being is a unique individual whose personal growth is fostered in a respected environment. The edict of the Franciscan brothers “That education is available to everyone, regardless 28
The dairy herd is earmarked for development. Earlier this year the Mountbellew herd prefix was re-activated with IHFA, which was a longestablished pedigree herd founded by Brother William Martyn. Registrations in the herd were brought up to date and the herd was assessed for conformation standard through the IHFA Classification service. In the early days of a new chapter for the herd there are ten cows scored VG/EX with a further fifteen scored Good Plus.
“Pedigree has always meant the best of the best.” Edna states, “Pedigree registering with IHFA represents a repository of information and breeding detail of a herd history. Breeders are building on the very best of every generation.
