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10 Sept 2025
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10 Sept 2025
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Westport native David Heraty is one of the finalists in the competition.
The final six contestants competing for the title of FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2025 have been announced with one Mayo farmer amongst those nominated.
David Heraty, a Beef and Sheep farmer from Westport is one of six farmers nominated.
Speaking exclusively to The Mayo News, David commented: “I got through the semi-final stage and now the final awaits. I’m nervous but at the same time very proud, there’s been a lot of hard work put in over the last few years”. Heraty from the Carrowkennedy area of Westport is a sheep and beef farmer but admitted he’s more of a sheep farmer as he humourously stated “we’ve too many at times”.
Macra national president Josephine O'Neill congratulated the young farmers on their success. "Congratulations to all participants in this year's FBD Young Farmer of the Year. These prestigious awards celebrate the passion, determination, hard work and commitment of young farmers.
Despite the challenges faced in Irish agriculture today, the FBD Young Farmer of the Year semi-finalists are wonderful ambassadors for all young farmers who work so hard day in day out to incorporate sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies, acting as stewards of the land and leaders of their rural communities. Best wishes to the six finalists as they progress to the final stages of the competition today."
Michael Berkery, Chairman of the FBD Trust, also passed on his congratulations "FBD Insurance is proud to continue our long-standing support for Macra na Feirme and the prestigious FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards. At FBD Insurance, we understand the importance of supporting Ireland’s young farmers and to help showcase innovation and sustainability in Irish farming. Congratulations to everybody who entered the competition and to those who made it to finals. They are all fantastic ambassadors for Irish farming and on behalf of the team at FBD Insurance, we wish all applicants every success in the future."
The final six contestants will now compete for the overall title of 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Category winners and the overall winner will be announced tonight at the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards later tonight in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare.
The other five finalists up against David in the final are:
Aileen Sheehan, a Dairy farmer from Cork
Amie Coonan, a Beef farmer from Tipperary
Brian Fitzpatrick, a Dairy farmer from Carlow
Isaac Wheelock, a Tillage farmer from Wexford
Sarah Kelly, an Equine farmer from Sligo
READ MORE: Local Westport builder makes final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2025
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