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Catherine Hanna pictured with Eamonn Matthews, Ai Services, Operations Manager
Catherine Hanna pictured with Eamonn Matthews, Ai Services, Operations Manager

A student from Rathfriland studying Agricultural Technology at CAFRE has been awarded a bursary from Ai Services to support her ambitions in dairy genetics and breeding.

Catherine Hanna, who grew up on a dairy farm, received the Discover CAFRE Bursary presented by Ai Services at an awards ceremony held at CAFRE's Greenmount campus. The award forms part of the college's wider Industry Support Programme, which this year delivered £106,000 in bursaries and scholarships across agriculture, equine, food and horticulture disciplines, with a total of 49 bursaries awarded to first-year students.

Catherine has developed a strong interest in breeding, cow nutrition and bovine genetics throughout her upbringing on a dairy farm. Alongside her studies, she is an active member of Rathfriland Young Farmers Club and plays rugby at weekends.

Speaking about receiving the award, Catherine said: "I am very grateful to be the recipient of this award and really do welcome this opportunity presented by the team at Ai Services. Student life can be challenging, particularly when it is balanced with life on a busy farm, so this support will enable me to further explore my passion within the dairy industry, breeding and genetics."

The bursary was presented as part of Ai Services' continued support for talent development and innovation within Northern Ireland's agri-sector. Eamon Matthews, Operations Manager of Ai Services, said: "Catherine's achievements, and her drive to advance dairy breeding and genetics exemplify the bright future of farming in Northern Ireland. We're honoured to play a role in helping her, and other students pursue their ambitions and contribute to a thriving agricultural sector for generations to come."

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