Ring joins graduates from Mayo College of FET for graduation ceremony

Former Minister and Mayo TD Michael Ring was given a special presentation for his service to public life at a graduation ceremony in Castlebar.

The Westport-based TD who is retiring after 30 years as a TD and 45 years in public life joined graduates from Mayo College of Further Education and Training who were honoured at a graduation ceremony in Castlebar last week

The graduation ceremony which took place in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday last, November 8 and a special presentation was also made at the event to Michael Ring, who is a former pupil of Westport Vocational School. He was presented with the College’s Inaugural Honorary Graduate of the Year Award by Principal, Michael Murphy.

The former Minister for Rural and Community Development was commended for his public service as he retires from public life, and he was presented with a framed photograph taken by graduates from the College’s Photography class, to mark his exceptional service.

The ceremony was also attended by Mr Peter Egan, Director of Schools and Mr Pat Howley, Director of Operational Support and Development, (both representing Mayo Sligo & Leitrim Education & Training Board) as well as Mr Andrew Brownlee, CE of SOLAS, Minister Alan Dillion,members of the Board of Management of Mayo College of FET, and management and staff of Mayo College of FET.

While many of the Class of 2024 were unable to attend due to either working at home or abroad, or furthering their studies, almost 200 graduates and their loved ones attended for the special event. All of the graduates were congratulated and wished well in their future careers.

Certificates were awarded to graduates from the Applied Science & Technology, Beauty & Hairdressing, Business & IT, Care, Health & Humanities, Creative Arts and Sports Departments, as well as the College’s VTOS hubs around the county. Graduate of the Year certificates were also presented to recipients in each class.