ATU and Tuam business Cormac Tagging this week (26 May 2025) launched a new Agri-Business Management Scholarship in the Mountbellew campus. This initiative aims to support students entering the Agri-Business Management programme (AU 606 / AU506) in the coming academic year 2025/26.
This scholarship of €3,000 provides meaningful financial support to incoming first-year students and serves to ensure students feel encouraged and supported throughout their studies in ATU.
Cormac Tagging is an Irish-owned family business based in Taum, Co Galway supplying Department of Agriculture and Marine-approved identification products for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Dr Edna Curley, Head of Mountbellew Agricultural College, said “Cormac Tagging has been a valued industry partner over many years, working closely with the staff here at Mountbellew Agricultural College. Their investment in this scholarship reflects a genuine commitment to the next generation of agri-business professionals.”
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, thanked Ursula Kelly, Director of Operations at Cormac Tagging “for championing our students and recognising the value of what they are learning and contributing to the wider Agri sector. This scholarship reflects what we can achieve when industry and education work hand in hand. It’s a win for students, a win for the programme, and ultimately, a win for the agri-business sector in Ireland.”
( l-r) Dr Edna Curley, Principal of Mountbellew Agricultural College, Ursula Kelly, MD of Cormac Tagging, sponsors of the Scholarship, Michael Gill, Head of Department - Organisational Development - ATU Castlebar Co. Mayo and Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU
Ursula Kelly, Director of Operations, said “Cormac Tagging, as a company rooted in rural Ireland and built on family values and innovation, is passionate about supporting young people pursuing careers in agri-business. The scholarship reflects our belief in the power of education to drive positive change in agri-business and food sectors and we are proud to partner with ATU and Mountbellew to make this a reality”.
Dr Edna Curley, Principal, Mountbellew Agricultural College added “It’s a fantastic opportunity for first-year students to be supported as they begin their journey in agri-business management. Collaborations like this show the real impact of industry and education working together to invest in the future of agriculture”.
Dr Seamus Lennon, Head of School of Business, welcomed this scholarship and sees it as a recognition of the importance of this innovative programme which is co-delivered by Mountbellew Agricultural College and ATU.
Michael Gill Head of Department of Organisational Development extended “Míle Buíochas” to all the parties involved in making this happen. “We look forward to welcoming our new scholarship recipients and continuing to strengthen the ties between our academic community and the agri-business world”.
To be eligible for consideration for the scholarship you must be a registered first year student of the Agri-Business Management programme (AU606 / AU506) and attending the relevant programme of study. Further details on the application process for the scholarship will be provided on Mountbellew Agricultural College – Mountbellew Agricultural College once the programme commences in September 2025.
