Farriery success recognised at Enniskillen Awards Ceremony
Date published:
CAFRE celebrated the achievements of farriery students at its annual Further Education Awards Ceremony held at the Enniskillen Campus, home to CAFRE’s specialist equine and farriery training provision.
The event recognised students who successfully completed further education and professional development programmes and highlighted the important contribution skilled farriers make to the equine industry.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of eight farriers who achieved the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers International (DipWCF (Int)), a professionally recognised qualification that assesses advanced practical skills, technical knowledge and professional competence in farriery.
The achievement represents a significant milestone in the professional development of each learner and reflects their commitment to advancing their knowledge and skills within the profession. The successful students were: Christopher Bergin from Mountrath, Shane Carroll from Borrisokane, Daniel Kelly from Dublin, Josh Kelly from Carrickmacross, Ben Maybin from Ballymena, Ciaran McDonagh from Brittas, Killian Moore from Navan and Darren Weldon from Carrick on Suir.
The awards were presented by Canon Dr Lydia Brown MBE, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, who attended the ceremony as a special guest and personally congratulated each learner on their achievement. Her attendance highlighted the important role the Worshipful Company of Farriers plays in supporting the development of farriery skills and qualifications and promoting excellence within the profession.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding achievement within CAFRE’s Farrier Upskilling Programme through the presentation of two prestigious awards. Josh Kelly was awarded the Forging Cup, presented to the student who demonstrated the greatest commitment to the Farrier Upskilling Programme, while Darren Weldon received the Paul Duddy Cup for endeavour and dedication throughout his studies.
Supporting the students on the day was Lee Johnston, Chair of the Northern Ireland Farriers Association (NIFA), whose attendance demonstrated the Association’s continued commitment to supporting continuing professional development and the advancement of the farriery profession.
Laura Smith, CAFRE Farriery Programme Manager, said: “The achievements recognised this year are a reflection of the hard work, determination and enthusiasm shown by these farriers. Many have balanced the demands of a busy working life while continuing to invest in their own development, which is no small commitment. It has been a pleasure to support them throughout their learning journey and to see the skills, knowledge and confidence they have developed along the way. We are delighted to see their efforts recognised and look forward to following their continued success within the profession.”
CAFRE’s farriery programmes continue to provide opportunities for practising farriers and those entering the profession to enhance their knowledge and practical skills. Through modern training facilities, experienced lecturers and collaboration with industry organisations including the Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Northern Ireland Farriers Association, CAFRE supports the development of highly skilled professionals who contribute to the enhancement of equine welfare and to the wider equine sector.
The achievement of this year’s learner cohort highlights the value of continuous professional development and the opportunities available through CAFRE for those seeking to advance their careers in farriery. From specialist short courses and upskilling opportunities through to professionally recognised qualifications such as the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers International, CAFRE remains committed to supporting the future of the profession and developing the next generation of skilled farriers.
The annual awards ceremony also celebrated achievements across CAFRE’s further education and professional development programmes. In his address, CAFRE Director Paul McHenry praised the accomplishments of students and highlighted CAFRE’s role in developing skilled, confident and responsible learners who will help drive innovation, productivity and sustainability within the agri-food and land-based sectors.
For more information on farriery and equine programmes at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus, please visit the CAFRE website.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Farriery students (L-R) Daniel Kelly, Ciaran McDonagh, Killian Moore, Ben Maybin, Darren Weldon, Josh Kelly, Chris Bergin and Shane Carroll who achieved the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers International (DipWCF (Int)) are pictured with Canon Dr Lydia Brown MBE, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers; Laura Smith, CAFRE Farriery Programme Manager; CAFRE Farriery Lecturers Paul Duddy and Caolan Kelly and Lee Johnston, Chair of the Northern Ireland Farriers Association, at the Enniskillen Awards Ceremony.
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