Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry for our Rising Rural Stars competition. The judges were blown away by the talent and impact young people are making across Ireland. Unfortunately, like all competitions, not everyone could be selected, and we only had space for 15 shortlisted finalists. However, we want to highlight others who impressed, so take a look.
1 Elena Clarke, Co Mayo
Since a very young age, Elena Clarke has shown a great passion and commitment to country life. Living in Foxford, she is 13 and always a step ahead, ready to lend a helping hand with a smile on her face. She is always keen to learn new skills and her passion is horses and donkeys.
2 Danny Potter, Co Kildare
Danny potter, from Co Kildare.
Danny Potter is 12 and a true farmer at heart, with the work ethic to prove it. He has been fascinated with machinery since he was young. Danny’s got a real connection to the land. He even helps out at Paul Brophy’s farm – the biggest broccoli farmer in Ireland.
3 Ryan McKiernan, Co Cavan
Ryan McKiernan with his brother Cia McKiernan.
Ryan McKiernan from Ballyjamesduff, pictured with his brother Cia, is a seven year old who is passionate about farming. He has loved tractors since he was a baby. He even packs a whole suitcase with tractors for holidays and he notifies his mum of all the tractor runs locally well in advance.
4 Laura Murphy, Co Cork
Laura Murphy from Co Cork with her new pony Tilly.
Laura Murphy from Aghabullogue is a nine year old whose dream of owning a pony came true a few weeks ago. Every morning, she wakes up and checks on Tilly before school. Laura hopes to compete in badminton horse trials and win the grand slam.
5 Alice Kearney, Co Cork
Alice Kearney, Fermoy, Co Cork.
Alice Kearney (3) from Fermoy is a vibrant with a heart full of dreams and a fascination for the rural life that surrounds her. Growing up on a family farm, she has developed a unique bond with the land and the tools that help cultivate it.
6 Ned O’Loughlin, Co Wicklow
Ned O’Loughlin, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
At just six-years-old, Aughrim native Ned O’Loughlin is already living and breathing hill sheep farming. From the moment he wakes up to the time he goes to bed, farming in the Garden County of Ireland is front and centre in his world.
7 Emily Fraher, Co Waterford
Emily Fraher, Ballinamult, Co Waterford.
Emily Fraher lives in Ballinamult and is aged 12. From a young age, her love for sport and farming was apparent, having grown up on a sheep and dairy farm. Her dad bought her a flock of four Blue Texel sheep and she now has a flock of 18, which she brings to shows. She won a show in Clonmel.
8 Hannah O’Donovan, Co Tipperary
Hannah O'Donovan, Nenagh Co Tipperary.
Hannah O’Donovan from Nenagh is an 11 year old with a fantastic work ethic who lives and breathes animals and agriculture. She is from a dairy farm with a few horses and is always helping out, especially earlier this year when the animals were kept in.
Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry for our Rising Rural Stars competition. The judges were blown away by the talent and impact young people are making across Ireland. Unfortunately, like all competitions, not everyone could be selected, and we only had space for 15 shortlisted finalists. However, we want to highlight others who impressed, so take a look.
1 Elena Clarke, Co Mayo
Since a very young age, Elena Clarke has shown a great passion and commitment to country life. Living in Foxford, she is 13 and always a step ahead, ready to lend a helping hand with a smile on her face. She is always keen to learn new skills and her passion is horses and donkeys.
2 Danny Potter, Co Kildare
Danny potter, from Co Kildare.
Danny Potter is 12 and a true farmer at heart, with the work ethic to prove it. He has been fascinated with machinery since he was young. Danny’s got a real connection to the land. He even helps out at Paul Brophy’s farm – the biggest broccoli farmer in Ireland.
3 Ryan McKiernan, Co Cavan
Ryan McKiernan with his brother Cia McKiernan.
Ryan McKiernan from Ballyjamesduff, pictured with his brother Cia, is a seven year old who is passionate about farming. He has loved tractors since he was a baby. He even packs a whole suitcase with tractors for holidays and he notifies his mum of all the tractor runs locally well in advance.
4 Laura Murphy, Co Cork
Laura Murphy from Co Cork with her new pony Tilly.
Laura Murphy from Aghabullogue is a nine year old whose dream of owning a pony came true a few weeks ago. Every morning, she wakes up and checks on Tilly before school. Laura hopes to compete in badminton horse trials and win the grand slam.
5 Alice Kearney, Co Cork
Alice Kearney, Fermoy, Co Cork.
Alice Kearney (3) from Fermoy is a vibrant with a heart full of dreams and a fascination for the rural life that surrounds her. Growing up on a family farm, she has developed a unique bond with the land and the tools that help cultivate it.
6 Ned O’Loughlin, Co Wicklow
Ned O’Loughlin, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
At just six-years-old, Aughrim native Ned O’Loughlin is already living and breathing hill sheep farming. From the moment he wakes up to the time he goes to bed, farming in the Garden County of Ireland is front and centre in his world.
7 Emily Fraher, Co Waterford
Emily Fraher, Ballinamult, Co Waterford.
Emily Fraher lives in Ballinamult and is aged 12. From a young age, her love for sport and farming was apparent, having grown up on a sheep and dairy farm. Her dad bought her a flock of four Blue Texel sheep and she now has a flock of 18, which she brings to shows. She won a show in Clonmel.
8 Hannah O’Donovan, Co Tipperary
Hannah O'Donovan, Nenagh Co Tipperary.
Hannah O’Donovan from Nenagh is an 11 year old with a fantastic work ethic who lives and breathes animals and agriculture. She is from a dairy farm with a few horses and is always helping out, especially earlier this year when the animals were kept in.
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