FAMILY, friends and staff at Enniskillen Campus came together last week to celebrate a memorable day as students graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).
The ceremony, hosted at Greenmount Campus, Antrim, marked the culmination of hands-on learning, dedication (especially those early morning yard shifts) and academic excellence.
Higher Education Equine programmes delivered at CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus are validated by Ulster University.
Graduates from the BSc Honours, Foundation Degree and Certificate of Higher Education programmes in Equine Management and Equine Science were honoured for their achievements.
Welcoming the students and guests to the ceremony Katrina Godfrey, permanent secretary with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) remarked: “Graduates here today have made an important investment in their skills and knowledge that will provide the foundation of their future career, whatever that is and wherever it may take them.”
CAFRE director Paul McHenry delivered his college report urging students to recognise that: “Today not only marks an important milestone in your lives, but as one step on a lifetime journey of learning. It is important that you take ownership of that journey, shaping your direction with purpose, confidence and ambition. The most successful professionals are those who never stand still, but continue to grow, adapt and innovate.”
Equine Management students at Enniskillen Campus enjoyed a year filled with travel, industry connections and opportunities to develop their skills. Congratulations were extended to all the students, with two notable students Nadia Donnelly from Omagh and Coraigh Lynch from Greysteel, who attained first class honours in their BSc (Hons) Equine Management degree courses.
Graduation ceremony prizes were presented by Joe Osborne, managing director of Ochado Advisory. Joe, a familiar face in the equine industry, and at CAFRE, spent more than three decades with Darley and Godolphin where he was managing director of Godolphin Ireland before recently starting his own consultancy business.
Joe delivered a thought provoking and inspiring speech sharing life lessons of his own expansive career. “The future looks bright for you as graduates, today is a unique point in your journey, a time of challenge, a time of opportunity, you deserve to feel proud of what you have already achieved.”
He acknowledged the dedication the students had shown for their subjects, and that Equine, Agriculture, Food and Horticulture are in the interface of urban and rural life.
Joe remarked: “You are entering a world underpinned by science with inspiration, you understand the importance of sustainability in a fragile global ecosystem. What you have learned at CAFRE is the wisdom of mother nature.”
He urged the students to consider their goals and direction in life adding: “You leave today with a blank canvas, on which you can paint your own futures. It will be painted by the choices and decisions you make, over time your choices will layer into a self-portrait of your character. Live a life of purpose and a life defined by a clear set of values. From today you are responsible for navigating your own life’s journey, that’s not a burden, it’s a prize, make the most of it.”
Final words of encouragement were shared by CAFRE director Paul McHenry to: “Be proud of all you have achieved, take time to recognise and celebrate your successes, both big and small along the way, and always remember that success is not just about what you know; it is about what you do with that knowledge.”
Applications are now being taken for CAFRE courses starting in September 2026.
Web: cafre.ac.uk