Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, joined proud graduates, families, and faculty at the Mary Immaculate College (MIC) graduation ceremonies last week (23 & 24 October), a vibrant celebration of academic excellence, family triumphs, and joyful milestones.
Minister O’Donovan spoke about the real impact teachers have, both in and beyond the classroom, noting:
'Teaching is one of the greatest callings there is. What you’ve learned here at Mary Immaculate College will have an impact far beyond these walls. So, as you go forward, bring that sense of purpose, pride, and heart into everything you do. Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than just a vocation; it is a gift.'
More than 1,200 students from 25 Irish counties and countries such as Cambodia, Brazil, Germany, and St Vincent & the Grenadines were honoured with academic awards. There were standout achievers, including multiple award winners, two sisters who graduated side-by-side, and newly engaged graduates from Palestine who added a touch of romance to the festivities.
A total of twelve distinguished graduates were celebrated for earning multiple awards, honouring both their academic achievements and their impactful involvement in college life—nine received two awards each, while three earned the rare distinction of winning three. Among them were Devlin Grogan Ryan (Co. Tipperary): Saint Bonaventure Trust Prize, BA Gold Medal, and top results in Theology & Religious Studies; Ellen Jane Slattery (Co. Limerick): Bonn Vere Foster Medal, Carlisle & Blake Award, and the Kieran Burke Fellowship; Rachel Plunkett (Co. Limerick): French Embassy Prize, and top results in French Studies and Geography.
Ellie Ryan from Co. Limerick, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary and Applied Theatre Studies, received the Award for Outstanding Achievement. Ellie first enrolled at MIC in 2017, beginning her academic journey with the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development. Upon completing the programme, she progressed to her undergraduate degree—a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. Having overcome numerous challenges related to her multiple disabilities, Ellie has become a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in education, helping to raise awareness of barriers faced by students and inspiring others through her advocacy. Ellie truly embodies the graduate journey, marked by perseverance, bold ambition, and talent.
Highlighting MIC’s global reach, this year’s graduates included international students Tamar Nijim and Ayman Bitar from Palestine, who joined MIC through prestigious Government of Ireland scholarships. Temar began the MA in Applied Linguistics in 2023 under the GOI-IES scheme, while Ayman started the MA/MSc in Environment, Society and Culture in 2024 via the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme. This week, they not only graduated but also celebrated their engagement, marking a double milestone of love and achievement.
Also among this year’s graduates were sisters Kathleen Helen O’Dwyer (Professional Master of Education) and Marianne O’Dwyer (Bachelor of Education), from Co. Limerick, who shared the special honour of graduating together. Their joint celebration reflected not only individual achievement but also the strong sense of family, community, and shared purpose that defines the MIC experience.
The College also celebrated a record 31 doctoral awardees this year, highlighting the continued growth of its postgraduate research community. Among them were several MIC staff members, underscoring the College’s vibrant research culture and commitment to professional development. These included Dr Lylian Fotabong, Race Equality and Sanctuary Manager, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Interculturalism Office; Dr Keith Ó Riain, Lecturer, Roinn na Gaeilge; Dr Deborah Tobin, Lecturer in English Language and Literature, MIC Limerick and Academic Learning Centre, MIC Thurles; Dr Florence Ajala, Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education; Dr Mary Anne Cantwell, Lecturer in Early Childhood Education; and Dr Claire Carroll, Assistant Professor in Mathematics Education. Their research explored topics ranging from computational thinking and immigrant mothers’ experience of their children’s engagement with early childhood care and education settings to the life and legacy of Irish-language poet Éadbhard de Nógla.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Professor Dermot Nestor delivered his inaugural graduation address as President of MIC, congratulating the Class of 2025 and reflecting on the hard work, determination, and community spirit that define the MIC student experience.
"Congratulations on reaching this milestone. You've earned this qualification through commitment, persistence, and hard work, often while managing everything else life throws at you. Behind every graduate are the people who made this possible: family who understood the late nights, friends who encouraged, and mentors who guided. Thank you to them. From all of us at Mary Immaculate College, well done. This moment is yours to savour.”
Professor Niamh Hourigan, Vice-President of Academic Affairs, commended the graduates on their achievements and the resilience they demonstrated throughout their studies:
“Graduation is always one of the most uplifting moments in the academic year. It’s a celebration not just of academic success but also of personal development through college life. Each graduate leaves MIC with new skills and capacities to support them in engaging with an increasingly complex world. I hope you retain fond memories of the experiences you shared at MIC and find professional success drawing on the skills you developed during your college journey.”
Dr Angela Canny, Assistant Dean of Education, commended graduates from the Faculty of Education for their dedication and future impact:
“Today is a proud moment for our graduates, their families, and the entire MIC community. The Faculty of Education has always been at the heart of who we are as a college, and education remains one of the most powerful forces for positive change in society. I do not doubt that our graduates will continue to inspire, to lead with empathy, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the broader community”
Speaking on behalf of the Faculty of Arts, Dr Ronan Flatley, Dean of Arts (Acting), praised the graduates for their creativity, critical thinking, and contribution to college life:
“Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, learning and discovery. The Faculty of Arts at MIC has long championed critical and reflective thinking, creativity and social awareness — qualities our graduates will carry with them wherever their paths may lead. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you on your achievements to date and thank you for enriching our college community with your ideas, energy and engagement.”
Also, joining graduates at the conferring ceremonies was Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President at the University of Limerick (UL); Professor Colin Fitzpatrick, Interim Vice President Global & Community Engagement, UL and Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick.
The 2025 conferring ceremonies reflect MIC’s continued growth as a centre of excellence in education and the liberal arts, with an expanding postgraduate research community and a strong national and international reputation for teaching and scholarship. As graduates embark on the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys, the MIC community celebrates their achievements and looks forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in schools, communities, and workplaces across Ireland and beyond.
