Offaly students celebrate graduation at Carlow College

Four students from Offaly celebrated their graduation from Carlow College, St Patrick’s last week at the conferring ceremony for 2023.

Ben O’Neill from Edenderry and Jack Hughes from Walsh Island, both graduated with a BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities, whilst Eilish O’Brien and Felix Obare both from Tullamore graduated with a BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care).

After being unsure what to do at the start, Ben O’Neill felt the first year of his degree helped him to explore potential areas of interest. “After studying all the core subjects in first year of the course, I was confident enough to mostly refine my studies to English and History modules. As someone who was still unsure about what they wanted to study, the variety of subjects suited me perfectly,” said Ben.

Social Care graduate, Eilish, felt her degree helped her develop vital teamwork skills, saying: “I loved that each module delivered gave students the chance to partake in group work. I think that’s the most important thing in social care, being part of a team.” Eilish is now working as a Social Care Worker.

Speaking of the official opening of the CORU professional register for Social Care Workers, Programme Director for the BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) programme, Dr John McHugh, said: “Today’s a great date as it’s the first time that Social Care graduates will graduate with an award that they can get a professional qualification with CORU, that’s a big achievement.”

Staff and students at Carlow College had a day of celebration for its Class of 2023 on Friday as 189 graduates, including seven students from Offaly, were conferred in the College’s graduation, which took place in Carlow Cathedral.

The vollege welcomed back alumni, Donnchadh O’Mahony of the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast and Residential Service Manager for Compass Child and Family Services Aisling Burke, to deliver the keynote addresses at the graduation.

Speaking of the ceremony, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar of Carlow College, Dr Thomas McGrath, said: “Today we congratulate our new graduates and celebrate their achievements so far. They are a credit to the college and I have no doubt they will go on to prosper in their chosen career paths”.

Carlow College President, Fr Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh warmly congratulated the graduates who come from 18 different counties across Ireland.

“As College President, it is my pleasure and privilege to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of all of our graduates. They have been part of our journey over the past three to four years and we wish them the very best as they continue on their own individual paths,” said Fr Ó Maoldhomhnaigh.