The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2026 – Ireland final results

Finalists, with YHOY co-ordinators Dr Sandra Austin, Sarah Simpson, and Caithríona Mc Crudden

The winner on the day was Chélirs Brecq, a third year Teagasc/SETU student based at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

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8 April 2026

The Ireland final of the Young Horticulturist of the Year 2026 was held on the 25th March. Each year this round of the competition sees the top seven young horticulturists from across the island of Ireland battle it out to represent our region in the YHOY grand final in May.

These young competitors (all of whom must be under the age of 30 to compete) have already fought off stiff competition in round 1 of the contest, a virtual multiple-choice quiz which runs throughout the month of February each year.

The Ireland final turns up the heat, with a 10-round live quiz, which includes a mixture of buzzer and directed rounds, combined with Plant ID and Pest, Weed and Disease identification rounds.

Hosted by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount College, this year’s final was a really exciting event, with tough questions answered by all.

One of seven finalists had competed in previous finals, and their experience gave a real edge to the competition.

In addition to their certificates, each of finalists received a cash prize, donated by Bord Bia.

The winner on the day was Chélirs Brecq, a third year Teagasc/SETU student based at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Second place went to his classmate Thomas Bryne, who performed brilliantly in his first YHOY final.

All of contestants did themselves proud, displaying great horticultural knowledge throughout, especially during the identification rounds.

The day finished with an impromptu tour of Greenmount Campus grounds, led by Adam Ferguson and James Crawford.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2026 grand final will take place on the 16th May in Rochdale Town Hall in Manchester. The overall winner in the grand final will win a travel bursary of £2500, sponsored by the Shropshire Horticultural Society.

Final results:

1st: Chélirs Brecq, SETU/Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, Glasnevin
2nd: Thomas Byrne, SETU/Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, Glasnevin
3rd: Luke Brophy, Kildalton College
4th: James O’Prey, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount
5th: Charlotte Dieckmann, SETU/Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, Glasnevin
6th: Thomas Lynch, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture
7th: Cameron Gilbert, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount