Alumni | Carlow College

Carlow College Graduate Awarded Prestigious Newman MA Scholarship by UCD

Nerilie Duffey — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:49:16 +0000

Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is proud to announce that recent graduate, Susan Hanly, has been awarded the highly prestigious Newman MA Scholarship by University College Dublin (UCD). This scholarship supports postgraduate research at MA and PhD levels, focusing on the life, work, and legacy of St. John Henry Newman, particularly in philosophy and education.

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities majoring in Philosophy and Theology from Carlow College in 2025, Susan is now pursuing an MA in Philosophy at UCD. Her academic journey at Carlow College was marked by outstanding achievement: she received the Mature Student Entrance Scholarship in her first year and went on to earn multiple Academic Achievement Scholarships throughout her four years of study.

Reflecting on her experience, Susan shared: “When I completed my Leaving Certificate in 1976, university was not financially viable for me. Returning to education in 2021 was a life-changing decision. Studying Philosophy and Theology prompted me to examine my life, defend my views, and enriched me with valuable lessons.”

During her time at Carlow College, Susan developed a strong interest in epistemology and ethics, honing her skills in constructing arguments and critical analysis. Her undergraduate dissertation on Assisted Dying drew on Cardinal Newman’s notion of conscience as the “vicar of Christ,” which she says “lent weight to my argument in favour of personal autonomy.”

Dr Amelia Fleming, Lecturer in Theology and Biblical Studies and Dissertation Supervisor for Susan’s undergraduate thesis said: “This award reflects the calibre of Susan’s undergraduate dissertation research: clear thinking, strong writing, and a steady commitment from start to finish. She distinguished herself as a student capable of operating at postgraduate level even in her final year. It was a genuine pleasure to supervise her project.”

Susan expressed her excitement about the opportunity to deepen her engagement with Newman’s thought: “I am particularly interested in Newman’s ideas of conscience and assent, and how they contrast with today’s concepts of ‘post-truth’ and self-will. I hope to explore how Newman’s moral theology can inform or challenge contemporary moral philosophy.”

The timing of Susan’s award is especially significant. On November 1st, Pope Leo XIV declared Saint John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church and Co-patron of Education with Thomas Aquinas, underscoring his role in shaping modern Catholic thought on learning and faith. Susan noted: “Newman’s vision of a liberal education—fostering the development of the whole person—is more relevant than ever, as education increasingly becomes viewed through a utilitarian lens. I am grateful to UCD and the Newman Foundation for this incredible opportunity.”

Carlow College congratulates Susan on this outstanding achievement and wishes her every success in her postgraduate studies at UCD.

The post Carlow College Graduate Awarded Prestigious Newman MA Scholarship by UCD first appeared on Carlow College.

Carlow College alum lands Midlands 103 placement via Learning Waves

Nerilie Duffey — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:43:59 +0000

Carlow College graduate, Philip Keegan, has been selected for a sought-after paid journalism placement at Midlands 103 through the 2025 Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.

Now entering its sixth year, the programme, run in partnership with the independent commercial radio sector, Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland, places ten graduates in radio stations around Ireland for five-month paid assignments.

Philip graduated from the BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities in 2024 and progressed to complete an MA in Journalism at the University of Galway. Following his postgraduate studies, Philip was successful in securing a highly sought-after place on the Learning Waves Graduate Programme – as one of ten students chosen from over 65 applicants nationwide to work in stations in Dublin, Clare, Kerry, Louth, Galway, Wicklow, Offaly, Sligo and Longford.

Speaking of how his undergraduate studies have helped kickstart his journalism career, Philip said: “The English modules I studied in Carlow College St. Patricks aided my literacy to produce good quality writing. I also gained a solid foundation of what it takes to carry out practical research for projects at Carlow College and I now use this foundation in the field of broadcast journalism. In my final year, I took a drama module which also boosted my confidence, which is certainly needed to be a journalist.“

At the programme launch, Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves Project Manager, emphasised the importance of journalism in tumultuous times: “Current events happening across the globe have again proven how the role of the journalist has never been more important in disseminating reliable and trustworthy information.”

The 2025 placements began in September and will run through February 2026, offering Philip the opportunity to gain practical newsroom and broadcasting experience at Midlands 103, serving his home region and beyond.

The post Carlow College alum lands Midlands 103 placement via Learning Waves first appeared on Carlow College.

Carlow College Graduate Appointed Deputy Principal of Coláiste Chinéal Eoghain in Buncrana

Orla Nic an Tuile — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:27:17 +0000

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Carlow College, and a Postgraduate Degree in Education NUI Galway, Donegal native Dáire Ó Néill, a teacher since 2013, has been appointed as Deputy Principal at the All-Irish speaking school, Coláiste Chinéal Eoghain.

Dáire’s Carlow College journey began in 2008, when he decided to move across the country to join our BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities programme. A Dongeal native, Dáire was keen to study English and History, but the idea of studying Philosophy and Psychology also appealed to him, so he decided to break out on his own and move to Carlow.

College Journey

Dáire was finishing school in 2008 and was unsure of which career path to choose, but decided he would study English and History, the subjects he enjoyed most in school. Carlow College offered a BA Hons in Arts and Humanities, which included English, History, Philosophy, and Psychology, all subjects which appealed to Dáire. Coming from a small secondary school, he also found the idea of the community setting of Carlow College comforting, and a easy place to meet people.

Eager to experience college life away from home, Dáire chose to move to Carlow College where he knew no one. Leaving Letterkenny behind, he was excited about the prospect of making new friends and starting fresh. His passion for History and English, along with a curiosity for Philosophy and Psychology, made Carlow College the perfect choice.

Reflecting on his decision, Dáire admits he wasn’t entirely sure what he hoped to achieve at the time. However, he saw the Humanities program as a gateway to many possibilities. For someone still figuring things out, it offered the perfect blend of interest and opportunity, giving him the time and space to discover his true path.

Studying at Carlow College

Dáire really enjoyed the variety that Arts and Humanities gave. With no previous experience learning Philosophy and Psychology, they fascinated Dáire and he loved studying Philosophy under Dr Noel Kavanagh. It was a difficult subject, but the lecturers broke it down in a way that made it easy for new students to understand.

English was Dáire’s favorite subject in school, and he continued this passion for creative writing under Dr. Derek Coyle at Carlow College. Derek’s enthusiasm for writing and poetry inspired Dáire to focus more on his own work. He enjoyed the enthusiasm and humor Derek brought to the classroom. One memorable day, when no one else showed up for class, Derek and Dáire decided to go to a nearby café. Over tea, they discussed Dáire’s work and other poetry, making Dáire feel very valued at Carlow College.

Overcoming Challenges

The biggest difficulty Dáire found was being so far away from home in Donegal. It was daunting for him to move from one side of the country to the other, but he found the people in Carlow to be incredibly welcoming and friendly, which made his experience much more pleasant.

During his third year, Dáire faced a deeply personal challenge involving a loved one. The support he received from the College’s Student Counseling Services was invaluable during that time.

Further Study

In Carlow, Dáire achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, which paved the way for him to pursue a Postgraduate Degree in Education at NUI Galway, graduating in 2013. Currently, Dáire holds the position of Deputy Principal at an All-Irish Post Primary School in Donegal. The valuable life lessons he learned in Carlow have shaped him into the professional he is today.

Favourite Memories of Carlow College

Dáire enjoyed the nightlife that Carlow had to offer, as well as the friendly and sociable atmosphere cultivated by many of the pubs for the students. Carlow College’s small size made it easy to get acquainted with most classmates and forge friendships. Dáire’s fondest memories revolve around the friendships he formed, and the lasting connections he made through the Students’ Union, and by participating in various social clubs. The college regularly organised diverse social events throughout the year to bring students together, which Dáire attended regularly.

The BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities (PC410) is now a three-year joint honours degree, in which students can major in two of the following subjects: English & the Creative Imagination, History, Politics, Philosophy, Psychology and Theology.

The post Carlow College Graduate Appointed Deputy Principal of Coláiste Chinéal Eoghain in Buncrana first appeared on Carlow College.