‘It gives me a great foundation to build on for the future’: Leitrim farmer selected for ICM initiative
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Manorhamilton's Dylan Gilligan is one of six young farmers selected for the 2026 ICM Flocks of the Future initiative, receiving breeding stock and expert support.
A young Leitrim farmer has been selected as one of six recipients of the 2026 Irish Country Meats (ICM) Flocks of the Future initiative.
Dylan Gilligan, 22, from Manorhamilton, has been chosen for the programme, which supports the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through access to high-quality breeding stock, expert guidance and industry support.
As part of the initiative, Dylan will receive a mini-flock comprising one five-star ram and five breeding hoggets, valued at more than €2,500.
He will also benefit from tailored support from Irish Country Meats (ICM), Bord Bia, Teagasc and Sheep Ireland, including one-to-one advisory support, industry insights and guidance throughout his journey.
Participants will also receive a 20c/kg bonus on lambs supplied from their Flocks of the Future animals to Irish Country Meats for the first three years of the initiative.
Dylan was selected from a high standard of applicants, alongside Keva Keogh, 22, Co. Dublin, Grace Hoare, 23, Co. Offaly, Abigail Marley, 17, Co. Mayo, Patrick Moran, 19, Co. Kerry, and Mark Norse, 24, Co. Wicklow.
Speaking after being selected, Dylan Gilligan said: “It means an awful lot to be selected as it gives me a great start up for my own flock. Given the current high prices of quality stock round the country, it would be very difficult to get such a good batch of sheep together otherwise. It gives me a great foundation to build on for the future.”
Daniel Lyons, Managing Director at Irish Country Meats said: “Supporting the next generation of farmers is central to the future of the Irish sheep sector, and through Flocks of the Future we are proud to provide young farmers with access to quality genetics, expert advice and practical support as they continue to develop their farming businesses.
“The quality of entries was excellent and clearly reflected the passion and enthusiasm all the applicants have for sheep farming.”
Stephen Connolly, Agri Sustainability Manager at ABP said: “We are proud to continue the Flocks of the Future initiative and support the next generation of sheep farmers across Ireland.
“The successful applicants represent the ambition, dedication and forward-thinking approach that will help shape the future of our industry.”
Flocks of the Future forms part of Irish Country Meats’ wider commitment to supporting generational renewal within Irish sheep farming and encouraging sustainable practices across the sector.
By investing in young farmers and providing access to quality genetics, expert advice and industry support, the initiative aims to help shape the future of Irish sheep production.