Galway man presented with Farmer Of The Year award
The Galway farmer has won awards in the past for his farming
A Galway man has been presented with a Farmer Of The Year accolade at Tuesday night’s FBD awards.
Kilcolgan native Enda Armstrong was crowned Dairy Farmer of the Year narrowly missing out to Dubliner Shane Halpin who picked up the main Young Farmer of the Year award in Laois’ Heritage Hotel alongside the €5,000 prize.
Macra judges, who run the competition which is in its 28th year, chose Enda who has farmed alongside his dad Gerard since 2021 milking 137 cows winning previous awards for his farming in the past.
Chair of the FBD Trust, Michael Berkery said he was delighted to be able to hand over these accolades to the winning farmers.
He said: “On behalf of FBD Insurance, I am delighted to congratulate Shane, our Young Farmer of the Year, and six category winners on this significant achievement.
“This competition, now in its 28th year, continues to attract enthusiastic and dedicated young farmers and Macra members from around the country.
"We hope these awards continue to inspire the next generation to build thriving, sustainable businesses that will strengthen rural Ireland for years to come.
"His passion and commitment reflect the very best of Ireland’s young farmers. Shane has been a longtime Macra member and has made significant contributions to our organisation, particularly our Ag Affairs committee.
"On behalf of Macra, I wish him every success for the future and look forward to working closely with him during his year as FBD Young Farmer of the Year."
The 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards marked a historic milestone as Cork dairy farmer Aileen Sheehan became the first woman to win the prestigious title in the competitions 27-year history.
A relatively recent entrant into the industry, Aileen began her farming journey in December 2021 after leasing a dairy unit in Whitechurch and purchasing her first herd.
When she's not on the farm, Aileen also teaches PE and Maths. Together with her husband Philip, who serves in the Army, and their six-month-old baby, Aileen manages the farm with support from three part-time staff, Sarah, Aoife, and Tadgh.
In her acceptance speech, Aileen said: “Behind every good man is a great woman, and that's true, but we shouldn't be behind. It's time for women in the agriculture sector to step forward.”