Joy and pride swept through Thurles on Friday, 31 October, as 127 Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles graduates, joined by family, friends and lecturers, gathered for the inaugural MIC Thurles conferring ceremony – the first to be held in the town since MIC’s incorporation of St Patrick’s College in 2016. In previous years, MIC Thurles graduates celebrated alongside their Limerick peers in joint ceremonies on the Limerick campus. This year, however, the spotlight turned exclusively to Thurles, as the Cathedral of the Assumption became the proud setting for a day filled with celebration.
Graduates from across Ireland and beyond gathered to receive Bachelor of Arts in Education awards in post-primary teaching, specialising in subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, Religious Studies, Gaeilge, and Mathematics. Postgraduate awards, at certificate, diploma and master’s level, were also conferred in Mentoring and Middle Leadership in Primary and Post-primary Settings.
Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, congratulated the graduates, paying tribute to their hard work and resilience:
"Graduation is always a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. For our MIC Thurles graduates, this day represents years of dedication, collaboration and the shared belief that education changes lives."
Professor Jennifer Johnston, Vice-Dean of the School of Education (Post-Primary) at MIC Thurles, reflected on the significance of the ceremony for the graduates and the campus community:
"This is a day of immense pride—not just for our graduates, but for everyone connected to MIC Thurles. It's the first time we've had the joy of celebrating conferring here in Thurles itself, surrounded by the people and places that have shaped these students' journeys. Our graduates leave not only with a degree and a teaching qualification, but with a deep sense of purpose and belonging that will carry them through their careers."
Reflecting MIC Thurles’ strong commitment to excellence and professional readiness, several graduates were honoured for outstanding academic achievement, with many earning multiple awards.
Among them, Darragh Doolan (Co. Kerry) was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for securing first place in all BA in Education programmes. He was also honoured for his outstanding academic achievement in both Gaeilge and Mathematics. Amy Ann Coffey (Co. Waterford), BA in Education, Business Studies and Accounting, was honoured with the Tipperary County Council Business Award and also received recognition for her academic excellence in Accounting and Business Studies.
Two graduates were recognised with two awards each. BA in Education, Gaeilge and Business Studies graduate, Ciara Brouder (Co. Limerick) received the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) Medal for Academic Excellence in Education E-Portfolio and the ASTI Medal for Excellence in Education and School Placement. Gemma Garvey (Co. Mayo), BA in Education, Business Studies and Religious Studies, was honoured with the Saint Bonaventure Trust Prize, awarded to the graduate who achieves first place in Theology and Religious Studies, along with recognition for academic excellence in Religious Studies.
Completing the top achievers was Konrad Alexander Gradowski (Co. Laois), BA in Education, Mathematics and Gaeilge, who received the Professor Michael A. Hayes Fellowship awarded to the graduate who achieves academic excellence in Education Research and Dissertation. This fellowship is awarded by the College in memory of the late Professor Michael A Hayes, President of MIC, 2011-2017.
The conferring ceremonies also celebrated many personal milestones and family connections within the MIC community. Among them was Martina Buckland (Co. Waterford), who received her Master of Education in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and Post-Primary Settings. Martina’s husband, Patrick Buckland, Lecturer in Business Studies at MIC Thurles, took part in the academic procession, making the day an especially memorable family occasion. Reflecting on the experience, Martina said:
"It’s such a special moment to be graduating with my Master’s in Middle Leadership and Mentoring and to have my husband, Patrick, in the academic procession. Sharing this day with our five children makes it even more meaningful; it’s a proud family moment that shows what dedication and lifelong learning can achieve. It was especially rewarding to complete my master’s at MIC, where I also graduated with an Arts degree in 1998.”
Fianna Fáil Education Spokesperson and Tipperary North TD, Ryan O’Meara, commended the graduates at the ceremony and underscored MIC Thurles’ vital role in the local community:
“This graduation marks a real milestone for Thurles. Having the ceremony take place here, in the Cathedral, brings a new sense of pride and connection between the College and the town. MIC Thurles plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of post-primary teachers—and in keeping Thurles firmly on the map as a centre of learning, leadership and community spirit. My warmest congratulations to all who graduated today and to the families and staff who supported them along the way."
Also, joining the graduates and their families at the ceremonies were Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O’Reilly; Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of University of Limerick; MIC Faculty Deans; Laura Conheady, Vice President of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI); Pádraig Curley, President of the Association of Secondary School Teachers of Ireland (ASTI), John Carroll, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council, Fr Joe Walsh MIC Thurles College Chaplain and other local dignitaries and councillors.
Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in post-primary teaching are invited to attend the MIC Thurles Open Day on Saturday, 8 November (10am-1pm). The event offers visitors the opportunity to meet staff and students, explore the campus and learn more about MIC Thurles’ concurrent teacher education programmes. Register for the MIC Open Day here.
