The 2026 Ag Colleges Challenge Day was hosted at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, County Cavan on Wednesday, 11th February 2026.
The event was organised by Teagasc and Macra, and kindly supported by FRS.
There was participation by seven colleges in practicals and skills-based competitions throughout the day. Teamwork, problem solving and technical knowledge are assessment in the range of skills.
Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, was present for the event and said: “The Challenges Day is an important annual initiative that Teagasc are delighted to facilitate in collaboration with Macra and all our partners. It is a great opportunity for students to participate and represent their respective Colleges, and for students to meet, network and compete with each other across a range of skills and activities. The Challenges Day continues to be an important element to the practical and student-centred education experience that Teagasc provides to students through all its colleges and programmes.”
The overall title was awarded to the Ballyhaise Agriculture team, who also secured victories in Welding, Tractor Driving, Fencing and the Final Team Challenge.
Category winners on the day were:
- Overall Winners: Ballyhaise Agriculture
- Soccer: Mountbellew College
- Welding: Ballyhaise Agriculture
- Tractor Simulator: Kildalton College Agriculture
- FRS Memorial Scholarship Presentation: Mountbellew College
- Specialist Skills: Ballyhaise Forestry
- Tractor Driving: Ballyhaise Agriculture
- Fencing: Ballyhaise Agriculture
- Team Problem Solving: Mountbellew College
- Final Team Challenge: Ballyhaise Agriculture
John Kelly, Principal of Teagasc Ballyhaise, was happy to see the event return to the college; “We were absolutely delighted to host the Ag Colleges Challenge Day here at Ballyhaise for the first time since 2014. It was a fantastic occasion for the college and for agricultural education more broadly. We worked very closely with Macra and FRS in organising the event, and that strong partnership ensured a very successful and enjoyable day for all involved. I am particularly proud of our students, not only for representing the college so well throughout the competition, but also for winning the overall title. It was a tremendous achievement and a credit to their hard work, skill, and teamwork.”
Shared by Carmel Finlay and James Mahler
EUROPEA Ireland
