CAFRE held its  second  Awards Ceremony for Amenity Horticulture students at Greenmount campus.  The event was attended by past students,  guests and employers from across Ireland.  These day-release courses include NVQ level 2 and level 3 awards in Landscaping, as well as the NVQ level 2 in Greenkeeping and the Advanced National Certificate in Sportsturf. To complete such courses students have to demonstrate competence in a wide range of practical, technical, supervisory and business skills.

CAFRE have provided high quality training over the years for many of the golf courses across Ireland and are keen to expand this further, having recently opened the new Greenkeeping & Golf Academy at Greenmount campus working in close partnership with the Ulster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI)

Michael Loughran, the President of the Golf Course Superintendants Association of Ireland (GCSAI) was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Michael is the first president of the association from Northern Ireland and comes from a strong family background in greenkeeping and golf.

In his address Michael said  “As greenkeeping students you have now successfully achieved your level 2 or level 3 qualification, but you must keep developing your skills and competences. There are many opportunities both locally and internationally for those keen to take on new challenges and develop their careers”.  He concluded by congratulating all  the landscaping and sportsturf students and their assessors for all of the hard work and effort and wished them well in their future careers.

For further information on horticulture and other courses contact CAFRE on 028 944 6700 or click here for more details

John Fay, CAFRE director (extreme left), Dr Michael Mullan Head of Higher Education Branch (extreme right), and Michael Loughran president of the GCSAI (centre) with prize winners Graham Swann and Adrian Moore at the Sportsturf and Landscaping Awards Ceremony Greenmount Campus.

Graeme Swann, Dunmurry golf club (first from right) won the 2009 Evergreen Lawns trophy awarded to the top overall student in the NVQ Level 2 Greenkeeping programme, at the recent CAFRE Sports turf and Landscaping awards ceremony held at Greenmount campus in October. Presenting the trophy is Geoff Connell (centre) of Evergreen Lawns Ltd, Greysteel, who said “As a company we strive to produce top quality product and we are very pleased to be associated with Graeme’s success on the NVQ programme at CAFRE.” Looking on is Graeme’s partner Deborah Bailie.

Rodney Stewart, Aberdelghy golf club (second from left) received his NVQ Level 2 certificate in Greenkeeping at the recent CAFRE Sports turf and Landscaping awards ceremony held at Greenmount campus in October. Looking on is Rodney’s mum Sally, daughter Rebecca and Dr David Patterson CAFRE Senior Lecturer.

Rodney said “the NVQ was a tough course but I learned a lot and I would recommend it to any greenkeeper.”

Michael Loughran, Frank Ainsworth (First Assistant and Head Greenkeeper at Hilton golf club) with Andrew Henderson (Greenkeeper at Hilton golf club) and his mum at the awards ceremony.

Piotr Dubaj and David McGarrity (both from Kilkeel golf club) chatting at the awards ceremony.

Robert Preston, Tandragee, and his son with CAFRE staff Dave Meakin (second fom left) and Johnston Shaw (extreme right).

Adrian Moore, Donaghadee (left) being presented by Michael Loughran (guest speaker) the special prize for 1^st overall in the ANCH Sports turf porgramme.

Paul Campbell CAFRE Lecturer (second from right) talking with guests at the awards ceremony.

David Cochrane (Belfast City Parks), centre,  with Dave Meakin and Johnston Shaw (both CAFRE staff) at the awards ceremony.