The wide range of career opportunities available in the bloodstock, farming, trades, tourism, hospitality and professional services was showcased at the inaugural Coolmore Careers Day.
Held in Fethard Town Park last Thursday (10 April), the event attracted over 700 students from 15 post-primary schools across Tipperary.
Coolmore Stud, a global leader in thoroughbred breeding, has long been a cornerstone of south Tipperary’s economy. Over 1,300 people are employed directly across its operations – which include the world-renowned Ballydoyle racing yard, a significant farming enterprise, and hospitality businesses such as the Cashel Palace Hotel.
Students attending the event had the chance to engage directly with industry professionals, visit Coolmore Stud, and see its world-class stallions, broodmares, and foals up close.
Live demonstrations from farriers and tradespeople brought hands-on skills into focus, while Coolmore staff from across various departments were on hand to discuss the broad range of roles that keep the business moving.
Students with racehorse trainer Aidan O'Brien (second from left), school principal Billy Walsh (third from left) and Coolmore Stud's M.V. Magnier (third from right).
Guidance
Young people also had the chance to meet representatives from third-level and further education institutions – including University of Limerick, Kildalton Agricultural College, Gurteen College, and CAFRE in Enniskillen – who offered guidance to those considering future studies in fields related to Coolmore.
Farm manager Tom Lynch, farm manager with Coolmore says, “Each year Coolmore employs numerous apprentices and graduates who cut their teeth working with some of the best in the industry. We wanted to showcase to these students the array of opportunities they have on their doorstep.
“It’s obviously important for young people to travel and get an education, but we want them to know that there are a wide array of rewarding jobs – some of them very high-powered – if they choose to return to the community they grew up in.
The bloodstock industry has a €2.46bn economic impact nationally and supports over 30,000 jobs.
“Tipperary also has a distinction of being one of the counties with the lowest outbound work commutes. That says a lot about sustainable communities and work-life balance,” says Tom.
He also explained that a range of associated jobs were available to students considering apprenticeships when they leave school. “As well as the large number of people who work directly with the horses, constant growth means we also require plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. Office staff include accountants, IT, marketing and health and safety staff,” he adds.
“Farming and gardening provide a large number of roles including agricultural mechanics while the hospitality end of things also offers a wide range of careers options.”
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School principal Billy Walsh, who was one of those to propose the event says, “Farming and bloodstock are two of the major employers in this region.
“This event shows that whether a student is considering a Solas apprenticeship, an agricultural college, or university, there are careers to suit all interests and talents and that’s something to celebrate.”
The wide range of career opportunities available in the bloodstock, farming, trades, tourism, hospitality and professional services was showcased at the inaugural Coolmore Careers Day.
Held in Fethard Town Park last Thursday (10 April), the event attracted over 700 students from 15 post-primary schools across Tipperary.
Coolmore Stud, a global leader in thoroughbred breeding, has long been a cornerstone of south Tipperary’s economy. Over 1,300 people are employed directly across its operations – which include the world-renowned Ballydoyle racing yard, a significant farming enterprise, and hospitality businesses such as the Cashel Palace Hotel.
Students attending the event had the chance to engage directly with industry professionals, visit Coolmore Stud, and see its world-class stallions, broodmares, and foals up close.
Live demonstrations from farriers and tradespeople brought hands-on skills into focus, while Coolmore staff from across various departments were on hand to discuss the broad range of roles that keep the business moving.
Students with racehorse trainer Aidan O'Brien (second from left), school principal Billy Walsh (third from left) and Coolmore Stud's M.V. Magnier (third from right).
Guidance
Young people also had the chance to meet representatives from third-level and further education institutions – including University of Limerick, Kildalton Agricultural College, Gurteen College, and CAFRE in Enniskillen – who offered guidance to those considering future studies in fields related to Coolmore.
Farm manager Tom Lynch, farm manager with Coolmore says, “Each year Coolmore employs numerous apprentices and graduates who cut their teeth working with some of the best in the industry. We wanted to showcase to these students the array of opportunities they have on their doorstep.
“It’s obviously important for young people to travel and get an education, but we want them to know that there are a wide array of rewarding jobs – some of them very high-powered – if they choose to return to the community they grew up in.
The bloodstock industry has a €2.46bn economic impact nationally and supports over 30,000 jobs.
“Tipperary also has a distinction of being one of the counties with the lowest outbound work commutes. That says a lot about sustainable communities and work-life balance,” says Tom.
He also explained that a range of associated jobs were available to students considering apprenticeships when they leave school. “As well as the large number of people who work directly with the horses, constant growth means we also require plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. Office staff include accountants, IT, marketing and health and safety staff,” he adds.
“Farming and gardening provide a large number of roles including agricultural mechanics while the hospitality end of things also offers a wide range of careers options.”
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School principal Billy Walsh, who was one of those to propose the event says, “Farming and bloodstock are two of the major employers in this region.
“This event shows that whether a student is considering a Solas apprenticeship, an agricultural college, or university, there are careers to suit all interests and talents and that’s something to celebrate.”
SHARING OPTIONS