Education and Training Boards Ireland marked a very special milestone last week, celebrating 10 years since the establishment of 16 Education and Training Boards throughout the State. A week-long celebration of students, learners and staff from ETBs throughout Ireland took place from February 27th to March 3rd.
One of the highlights of the week was the National ETB Excellence Awards at Croke Park, Dublin which took place on ETB Day on Thursday March 2nd and was hosted by RTÉ newsreader and journalist, Ray Kennedy, who is also a former City of Dublin ETB student. ETB’s all over Ireland competed for awards in categories including: Care, Respect, Equality, Community, Youth Services, Education, Further Education and Training, Organisation Support and Development, ETB Hero and Gradam Sármhaitheasa sa Ghaeloideachas.
Karol Torpey, Killaloe Community College (centre) being presented her Excellence Award for Care by ETBI Director of Schools (Post- Primary)Paul Fields and ETBI Director of Schools (Community National Schools & Patronage) Dr Seamus Conboy.
Limerick and Clare ETB was delighted to win gold at the event; with Karol Torpey from Killaloe Community College, County Clare, awarded first place in the Excellence in Care category. The award recognised Karol’s work in caring for the emotional, spiritual and social needs of the entire school community including establishing a strong connection via social media.
Ray Kennedy, awards host and RTE news presenter pictured with Alan Hogan, FET Manager, Innovation, Development & Quality and Patsy Hogan, Quality Assurance at Limerick and Clare ETB as they accept the runner up award for Recognition of Prior Learning for Level 6 Advanced Cert in Hairdressing from Andrew Brownlee, CE, SOLAS.
The ETB’s FET Innovation, Development and Quality Support Service was also recognised for Excellence in Further Education and Training. The service was awarded runner-up for its ground-breaking Prior Learning initiative for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing.
Other Limerick and Clare ETB nominees at Croke Park included Thomond Community College for Excellence in Education for its Leading Learning, Teaching and Inclusion initiative and the ETB’s Local Creative Youth Partnership was nominated for an Excellence in Youth Services award for its Future Film Makers 2022 project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Limerick and Clare ETB Chief Executive, George O’Callaghan said: “This was a fantastic way to acknowledge all the hard work and passion shown by our staff, students and learners at a national level. Well done to all our nominees and winners who were recognised here today.”
The event closed with a special performance by talented singer songwriter Tolü Makay who is a former Laois and Offaly ETB student proving an ideal way to close the ceremony.
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