The Open Training College held its 16th annual Conferring of Awards ceremony in November 2009 in the Concert Hall at the RDS, Dublin.  Over 600 guests, staff and students attended the event to celebrate the achievements of 177 graduates.

The four speakers at the ceremony were Tara Ryan, Higher Education and Training Awards Council, David Kenefick, Deputy CEO St. Michael’s House, Angharad Langford, a graduate of the BA (Honours) Social Studies degree programme, and Karen Finnerty, College Director.  Each speaker paid tribute to the students’ families, whose practical support and dedication have been central to the successes of all the students.

The recipient of the Student of the Year award for 2008-2009 was Ailish Munnelly, of Western Care Association based at the Ridgepool Training Centre in Ballina, and a graduate of the BA (Honours) in Social Studies.

It was the largest Conferring of Awards to date for the College.