IN transition year of secondary school I began to gain an interest in the horse industry. At that time I began working at Yellowford Farm in Killeagh with Paul and Frank Motherway.

There I was shown many different sides in the industry, from pedigrees and conformation to sales consigning. I will always be grateful to the Motherways for taking me on and growing my knowledge of the business.

Michelle Motherway helped grow my interest and confidence in the yearling sector. I began prepping yearlings and showing for Michelle, owner of TDM bloodstock. I knew from there on that yearling prep was going to be a huge part of my work life.

Paul put the idea forward for me to apply for the ITBA Next Generation internship. As a young person who had just completed the Leaving Certificate - and knowing I wanted a career in the business but unsure of which side - I think the internship is a great way to bring people forward in their careers and explore multiple sides of the business.

Rathmore Stud

I started my internship in Rathmore Stud, run by Peter Molony and family.

Nuala Lynch, the manager, gave me immense support and encouragement in my time at Rathmore, always going the extra mile to ensure I excelled during my placement by introducing alternative ways to gain a wider knowledge of yearlings and foals.

I worked the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sales with the Rathmore consignment. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Rathmore and I would like to thank Peter Molony and his team for all the kindness they showed me in my time with them.

In January I began working in Ballylinch Stud. I never could’ve dreamt of the experience I was walking into.

After meeting stud manager John O’Connor on my induction day, I knew Ballylinch would be an ideal fit for my placement. The stud offered me many different amazing opportunities. My most beneficial experience was the hands-on care of foals. I was given the opportunity to be involved in foaling.

The season I spent in Ballylinch was eye-opening. I learned to trust my gut and focus on issues once they arose. None of that would have been possible without the immense support and encouragement from the foaling manager, Nevelin Neykov.

Throughout the rollercoaster of the foaling season, one thing remained constant: the staff in the main yard are an exceptionally tight bunch who offer each other encouragement, and who support each other through the busy times and hard times. I’m exceptionally lucky to say I was a part of that team. I would like to thank everyone who made Ballylinch the great experience it became for me.

I also had the opportunity to take part in hands-on daily care of the pre-training horses. Pat Shanahan was always open to discussions on each horse in order for me to fully understand the further goals and outcomes of each horse.

Throughout the season the resident vet Jenny Henderson was always available to explain and answer any of my questions, always wanting me to be more informed on the veterinary side of the business.

I was given every opportunity to learn about all sides of the business, and it was a great opportunity to establish which areas of the industry I most enjoyed.

Ballylinch Stud really helped me gain experience and knowledge of the industry. It is an exceptional place to work.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the ITBA for the exceptional experience which I have gained on this programme. The Next Generation internship programme provides great opportunities to young people who want to upskill, learn and build a career in bloodstock.

Again, may I thank each of my hosts for the hospitality and experience which they provided.