Truly top of their class

Two Cork City education graduates had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of their class’ status at the 25th annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony.

Douglas Primary Education graduate Grace O'Donoghue was honoured with the overall Student of the Year Award – presented by the College to the student in each cohort with the highest grade across the primary programme. In addition, Grace received the INTO Vere Foster Medal – awarded by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) for Outstanding Performance in School Placement.

Along with qualifying in Inclusive and Special Education, Miriam Cotter from Bishopstown, was honoured with the Dr Eileen Winter Overall Student of the Year Award, presented to the student who achieved the highest grade in their cohort.

Grace and Miriam were two of what was a record number of over 1,000 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify with Masters in primary and post-primary teaching, and, for the first time, a Masters or Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, or a BSc in Nursing.

Congratulating the graduates and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of each and every one of them, Dr Mary Kelly, President of Hibernia College Group, emphasised that those gathered had demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout their studies. She said: “Each graduate will go on to make a vital and valuable contribution to their chosen profession.”

Held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD was guest of honour.