05-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth college, DIFE, provides life skills for graduates
Graduates were awarded qualifications across a wide range of disciplines, receiving QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Awards, as well as certificates and diplomas from other awarding bodies including NECF, City & Guilds of London, CIBTAC, ITEC, IAOT, and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.
The ceremony was generously sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, continuing its long-standing partnership with DIFE in supporting student achievement and community education.
Graduates were recognised across diverse fields such as Culinary Arts, Art & Design, Business, Pre-University Courses (including Arts, Law, and Science), Construction Studies, Beauty Therapy, Multimedia, Photography, Sport & Leisure, Nursing, Childcare and Applied Social Studies, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare Support, Dental Nursing, and Pharmacy Technician studies.
The graduation was presided over by DIFE Principal Mr. Davy McDonnell, along with Deputy Principals Orla Morrissey, Shane Williams, and Mark O'Sullivan. The event was organised by Pauline Sheeran and her graduation committee, whose efforts were acknowledged and appreciated by all in attendance.
Distinguished guests included Martin O'Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training for LMETB, Sharon Tolan of the DIFE Board of Management, Sheena Kierans and Finbarr Murphy representing Drogheda Credit Union, Hubert Murphy CE Drogheda Chamber, Colin Cooney Programme Director DKIT, and Mick Toner, who attended to congratulate this year's graduates.
Special guest at the ceremony, Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan, who himself is a past student of DIFE, also addressed the graduates. In presenting the awards, he congratulated the students on their achievements, stating: 'At DIFE, you gain life skills that stay with you for your whole life. DIFE provides opportunities for all who walk through its doors.'
In his address, LMETB Chief Executive Martin O'Brien congratulated all graduates and commended the institute's role in providing high-quality education and training. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of DIFE, he spoke about lifelong learning, which takes each graduate to the next level — and in turn, lifts Drogheda to the next level.
DIFE offers a wide variety of courses with clear progression routes to Higher Education in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, as well as employment-focused qualifications across sectors such as childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, health and fitness, and more.
Applications for upcoming courses are now open. For more information, visit:
