Niamh wins Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year

Niamh recently completed her Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications at Teagasc Kildalton College and is now pursuing a Level 7 degree in Horticulture

Niamh’s journey from florist inspiration to Teagasc award-winner highlights her passion for horticulture and plans for further study

Careers

Read More: FBD Teagasc Teagasc Kildalton College

10 September 2025

Earlier this year, Niamh’s hard work was recognised when she won the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year 2024 Full-Time Other Land-Based Enterprises Category – a moment she says meant “the world”.

Niamh recently completed her Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications at Teagasc Kildalton College and is now pursuing a Level 7 degree in Horticulture.

But the path here wasn’t straightforward.

“Just after my Leaving Cert, I went into SETU to study engineering. After about a week, I decided it wasn’t for me, so I transferred into accountancy and after a semester, I just couldn’t do it anymore, so I went out into the real world,” Niamh explained.

What followed was a period of time working in a florist, the source of inspiration for her education journey.

“I started working in a florist and the woman that I was working with had done her Level 5 and Level 6 in Horticulture in Kildalton, so I decided I’d give it a go,” Niamh added.

Through these courses, Niamh explained, she gained grounding in vital skills for her future career.

From servicing lawnmowers and cutting golf greens to pruning and learning about fruit production, Niamh embraced every aspect of the hands-on training.

A standout moment was nursery stock production, a module she especially enjoyed for its mix of technical skill and hands-on-learning in the glasshouse.

Alongside her coursework, Niamh and a fellow student launched their own small business, buying in plants and selling them on – first at a local market, then at garden festivals.

Reflecting on her journey in horticulture thus far, Niamh added: “I love how physical it is…it’s a peaceful job. I love being outside, I love working with the plants…your plants can’t give out to you.”

As for what’s next, Niamh hopes to complete her Level 8 and eventually pursue a master’s degree, but for now, she’s enjoying the journey.

“I was lost coming out of secondary school and I found something I love. I’m part of a community now, and I can’t wait to just keep going,” she concluded.

Read More: FBD Teagasc Teagasc Kildalton College