Kilkenny Student Recognised for Outstanding Contribution at Carlow College Graduation

Callan resident, Kristina Doyle was awarded the honourable Robert Frederick Holmes (1803) Award last week during the Carlow College, St. Patrick’s Conferring Ceremony for 2022.

Kristina, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Social, Political & Community Studies, received the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the student body. The award is named in honour of College student Robert Frederick Holmes who gave his life while attempting to save the life of a fellow student in 1803.  The award acknowledges the dedication Kristina had in promoting social justice issues within the College and wider community, including arranging the solidarity rally at Kilkenny Castle in support of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kristina Doyle from Callan graduates from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s

Staff and students at Carlow College had a day of celebration for its Class of 2022 on Friday as 143 graduates – including 9 students from Kilkenny – were conferred in the College’s graduation, which took place in Carlow Cathedral.

Prior to the ceremony, graduates received a personal video message from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD congratulating them on their success and wishing them all the best in their future endeavours.

Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Galway delivered the keynote address at the graduation and asked graduates to “reflect and consider what you can offer to make the world a better place.” Helen continued: “While dreams are essential, our dreams and imagination will only get us so far. Above all it is in the doing that realities change and you can truly make a difference. The evidence of that in all that you have done to get here today.”

Dr Thomas McGrath, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar of Carlow College congratulated graduates commenting on their “remarkable resilience and grit they showed during the Coronavirus Pandemic when their classes were held online”. He also stated: “they are a credit to the College and he has no doubt they will go on to prosper in your chosen career paths”.

Carlow College President, Fr Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh warmly congratulated the graduates who come from 16 different counties across Ireland, including as far as Donegal.

“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

Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is a Higher Education Institution specialising in degree programmes in the areas of arts, humanities and social studies. Located in the heart of Carlow town, in Ireland’s South-East region, the College has a long, proud history of supporting students to succeed in their studies and future careers. The College also has a number of long established international partners.

The College currently offers Level 7 and 8 degree programmes in Arts & Humanities; English & History; Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care); Psychology; and Social, Political and Community Studies – with two new undergraduate degrees launching in 2023, including a B.A. (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics & Sociology and B.A. (Hons) in Media, English & Culture. Furthermore, the College offers Level 9 programmes in Social Care and Irish Regional History.