Nuffield Ireland 2025 Conference - Cultivating Opportunities from Obstacles
Sponsored by FBD Trust
Supported by ICOS Skillnet
09:15 — Registration, coffee, networking
10:00 — Opening Address and Welcome – Chairperson Grainne Dwyer, 1999 Scholar MC for the event: Helen Carroll, broadcaster
10:10 — 2024 returning Scholar Panel 1: Communication & Influence Molly Garvey & Niall Hurson present their findings and recommendations. Discussion with Lorcan Allen, 2007 Scholar and Director of Business Development at corporate communications consultancy Keatings and Associates.
11:25 — 2024 returning Scholar Panel 2: The Industry in Practice Nick Cotter, John Keane & Michael Martin present their findings and recommendations. Discussion with Joe Burke, 2015 Scholar and Beef and Livestock Sector Manager in Bord Bia, and Lance Woods 2022 Scholar and Ruminant Marketing Manager, MSD Animal Health Ireland.
13:05 — Padraig Walshe Award The best presentation by a 2024 returning Scholar is voted on by attendees. The Award will be announced and presented at the Banquet.
13.15 – Nuffield International Triennial update
13:30 — Lunch
14:30 — Fireside chat - Laura Burke, CEO, Environmental Protection Agency on her leadership journey; in conversation with Geoff Dooley, 2004 Scholar and Strategic Advisor.
15:30 — Nuffield Scholars 2025 Updates
16:00 — Moderated Alumni Panel: Leadership in Agriculture – The Scholarship’s Impact MC Helen Carroll draws out four Nuffield Ireland alumni on the impact of the Scholarship on their lives, careers and/or businesses. Participating Scholars are: Tadhg Buckley, 2009 Scholar and Chief Economist and Director of Policy at IFA; Maeve O’Keeffe; 2015 Scholar, dairy farmer and agtech entrepreneur; Clare O’Keeffe, 2006 Scholar, farmer, mediator and farm succession expert; Kevin Twomey, 2007 Scholar and dairy farmer.
16:30 — Introduction to Nuffield Scholars 2026 17:00 — Mike Brady, 2004 Nuffield Scholar As the Incoming Chairperson of Nuffield International, Mike outlines the role of the organisation, and closes the Conference.
19:00 – Conference Banquet