Mayo farmer shortlisted for prestigious award for second year in a row

Mayo Farmer Paul Maguire from Claremorris in Mayo has been shortlisted for the RDS Forestry Awards 2025.

Paul was also shortlisted in 2024.

Paul farms 72 acres of forest and for over 30 years, Paul has been farming in Furnace, near Partry, on environmentally-sensitive land along the Cloon river flowing into Lough Mask.

Inherited from an uncle, it was a traditional small west of Ireland cattle farm – small fields, marginal land and low income, according to teagasc.ie.

The RDS awards recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners that have adopted Climate-Smart Agricultural practices on their properties.

The awards will take place on Thursday, April 10 as part of the ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival in the RDS in Dublin.

Paul considers himself a guardian of an ancient native woodland, striving to protect and preserve it for the next generation.

The ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival will bring together scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, practitioners, advocates and RDS Members to explore how Ireland can harness the benefits of our natural resources and the circular economy with a view to creating increased awareness, education and identification of solutions.

READ NEXT: Mayo man launches exciting new Walking Tour on St Patrick's Day

A series of talks and panel discussions will focus on the latest advancements and challenges in areas such as land use, forestry and the bioeconomy.

The full programme for the event will be announced in mid-March.