Landscape Gardener Wins Top Student Award

13 December, 2002

Eamon Egan, a Dublin based landscape gardener has won the top student award for graduates in the Diploma of Horticulture course at the Teagasc College of Horticulture, Botanic Gardens.

A native of Cahir Co. Tipperary, Eamon completed the three year diploma course last June and was presented with the top student award by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. Eamon has set up his own landscape gardening business, based in Santry in Dublin.

He was one of 38 graduates who were presented with their nationally accredited diplomas by the Taoiseach. The course is one of 12 courses in agriculture and horticulture certified by the newly established awarding body, FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council). A further 11 third level agriculture and horticulture courses, which are provided by Teagasc college/institute of technology partnerships, are certified by HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) and appear on this year's CAO list.

According to Dr Paul Cusack, principal of the Botanic Gardens college, graduates of the Botanic Gardens diploma course continue to develop rewarding careers in landscape construction and design, garden centres, public authority parks, golf courses and private estates.

The Taoiseach also presented certificates in greenkeeping to 35 golf course employees. The course, which is specifically geared to the needs of golf course greenkeepers, is run by Teagasc on a block release basis over two years.