HRH The Princess Royal arrives at CAFRE Campus, Enniskillen

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) campus in Enniskillen as part of a two day visit to NI.

On arrival, HRH was greeted by CAFRE’s Director Martin McKendry who accompanied her on a tour of the equine facilities where she met with CAFRE staff and students.

Martin McKendry said: “I am delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to the campus today to showcase our facilities at the campus and to introduce her to the students and staff.

“CAFRE has excellent facilities for the delivery of our equine education courses including breeding, racing, equitation and farriery units. These facilities provide students with invaluable experience in managing and riding horses. 

During the visit, staff highlighted to The Princess Royal that 93% of our students gain employment or continue further education within six months of graduation. The College also has excellent links to America, in particular with Coolmore and Darley in Kentucky.”

CAFRE BSc student Naoisa Faux, from Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh added: “I was excited to meet The Princess Royal and discuss how I’m really enjoying my time at CAFRE, studying for my Honours Degree and developing a deeper understanding of the academic side of equine management as well as my practical skills. 

I was delighted to outline how I had the opportunity to lead up one of the College Thoroughbred foals for sale at Goffs recently. I’m now looking forward to travelling to Kentucky, USA with six other students, and three staff to develop my international experience.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption - The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) campus in Enniskillen as part of a two day visit to NI.

   HRH Princess Royal chats to CAFRE student Mark Nolan in the racing unit.

2. Enniskillen Campus is one of three Campuses of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and is responsible for the delivery of equine and agriculture programmes to new entrants and those working in the industry. The Enniskillen Campus estate is comprised of 62 hectares including 12 hectares of ungrazed wetlands, woodland and equine facilities.

3. Agriculture programmes have been delivered at Enniskillen Campus since 1967 and developed over the years to meet the needs of more than 2000 local farmers. The first equine students graduated from Enniskillen in 1998 and since then over 800 young people have qualified with Diplomas or Degrees.
4. The Enniskillen Campus is very well integrated into the local community and we have strong links with many rural stakeholders including the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association, Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster, Equine Council for Northern Ireland (ECNI), British Horse Society (BHS), Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and The Vaughan Trust which supports student study tours.
5. The department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the department’s internal records management system. The department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website.  
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7. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

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