Aileen Sheehan Makes History as First Female FBD Young Farmer Winner

Aileen Sheehan has made history by becoming the first woman to win the FBD Young Farmer of the Year award. This significant achievement was recognized at a ceremony held at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare, marking the 27th anniversary of the prestigious awards on March 15, 2024.

Sheehan operates a dairy farm, milking 140 cows on a fully leased property, which she began managing in December 2021. Alongside her husband, she oversees the farm, which also includes 28 in-calf heifers and 24 calves as replacements. The couple balances their farming responsibilities with parenthood, as they recently welcomed a six-month-old baby. Their farm benefits from the support of three part-time staff members: Sarah, Aoife, and Tadgh, who all contribute to its sustainability-focused operations.

In her address during the awards ceremony, Sheehan emphasized the importance of visibility for women in agriculture. She stated, “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.” Her inspiring words resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the need for greater representation in the industry.

The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition aims to celebrate and recognize the top young farmers in Ireland. Candidates are evaluated based on several criteria, including farm efficiency, business initiative, innovation, safety standards, environmental awareness, and overall agricultural knowledge. This year, judges noted a high standard among entrants, praising the commitment and skill demonstrated by all participants.

Josephine O’Neill, the national president of Macra, expressed her pride in announcing Sheehan as the first female award winner. “On behalf of Macra, I’d like to congratulate Aileen Sheehan on her outstanding achievement. Throughout the competition, she has demonstrated her passion for and dedication to agriculture, the environment, and her local community,” O’Neill said. She highlighted that Sheehan is following in the footsteps of many trailblazers and will represent the award with pride and integrity.

Michael Berkery, chairman of the FBD Trust, also congratulated Sheehan, emphasizing that the award reflects her dedication, passion, and hard work. He noted, “FBD Insurance is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Macra and the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards. We take great pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate the remarkable achievements of young farmers and their vital contributions to the farming community.” Berkery expressed hope that the awards would continue to inspire future generations to develop sustainable farming practices.

Francie Gorman, also involved with the awards, encouraged all participants to remain engaged in advocating for farmers. He stated, “My hope is that the experience has been positive for you. I would ask this year’s entrants to consider extending their involvement in representing farmers.”

The recognition of Aileen Sheehan not only marks a milestone for her but also represents a step forward for women in agriculture. Her journey and accomplishments serve to inspire others in the field, paving the way for future generations of female farmers.