Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) hosted its annual graduation ceremony at the TLT Theatre in Drogheda recently celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of 2024/25. Due to the large number of graduates, two sessions were held to accommodate all attendees.

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: 

“Attending DIFE was transformational for me. I never looked back. And I’m sure that it will be transformational for you. When you graduate from DIFE you graduate with not only an education, but you also graduate with new life skills that will stand to you for your whole life.

“Some of you will go from here straight into employment. Any why not, DIFE creates opportunities for all those who pass through their doors, and you graduates are no different. It also creates an educational environment that people feel comfortable to be in. That is down to every single person that works there.

“Some of you will go straight from here to further education. And why not. I went from DIFE to Maynooth University and graduated with a Double Honours Degree in Sociology and Anthropology.

“Third level education is a life experience like no other. Its challenging, its demanding, its invigorating. You will meet the most interesting people and form life friendships. The education that you receive in third level will give you a whole new perspective on life and you will witness a self-transformation like no other.”

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: www.dife.ie