The sumptuous Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire hosted a graduation night for students of Dun Laoghaire College Of Further Education on the 6th of November. Hundreds of students were there to receive educational certificates for all their hard work in the 2007/2008 college year. Certificate recipients were given FETAC and Fás awards during the evening’s proceedings.
The speeches at the graduation night reflected Ireland’s current educational climate. While they all praised the students’ achievements, Chairperson of the VEC, Donal Marren, took time out to criticise the Government’s cut-backs on education. Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, reacted to Mr. Marren’s comments by comparing them to the dimming of pub lights at closing time and the fact that people usually ignore them and carry on as normal.
After the speeches, it was the students’ turn to take centre stage. Classes lined up on the flanks and the graduation-cloaked students were called on alphabetically. Each student of the year was given a Newbridge clock in appreciation of their outstanding contribution to the academic year. Cameras were frantically clicked by audience members to capture all the action and there was plenty of handclapping.
Post-ceremony there was a rush to the Marine Hotel’s many bars for a swift drink. Sandwiches were handed out to help soak up the celebratory booze. The place was jammed with beaming students, proud teachers and even prouder family members. All in all a great evening out for everyone in attendance.
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