(from left) Noreen Murphy, LYS, Jerome Chambers, LCANA with Erica O’Donoghue
The Feargal Quinn Award was presented to Erica in recognition of her outstanding achievement in last year’s Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), where the Garryowen native received a 100% Distinction.
Erica, who is now studying Nursing Studies at Central College Limerick was delighted to be honoured by the Leaving Certificate Applied National Conference.
‘This award means the absolute world to me, it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life!’ said Erica, adding with a smile, ‘I’m still in shock!’
‘I never thought I was going to get top marks in my LCA, let alone receive the Feargal Quinn Award,’ said Erica adding ‘my LCA results and this award has motivated me and showed that I can achieve things.’
‘I will be forever grateful to all the staff at LYS for their support’
Erica’s education journey is one that may strike a chord with some young people. After leaving school early at 15years, Erica enrolled with Limerick Youth Service and from there her career blossomed.
Erica started with the Bakery Skills Course at LYS’ Community Training Centre when a chat with her instructor led to her studying the LCA.
It was during her time with LYS that Erica blossom as, as in addition to her many academic achievements, she earned the An Gasice Bronze Medal as part of the Garryowen Youth Committee and won the Best Music Group at the LYS Youth Factor.
‘I will be forever grateful to all the staff at LYS for their support from the LCA teachers to the staff in the canteen and reception,’ said Erica.
Erica’s next step on her journey has seen start the second semester for Nursing Studies at Central College, Limerick, with her sights set on studying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Limerick.
LYS would like to congratulate Erica on her thoroughly deserved Feargal Quinn Award and wish her the very best of luck in her future career.
(from left) Erica O’Donogue, Noreen Murphy, LYS, Jerome Chambers, LCANA, Michelle O’Keefe & Joshua Boylan (both Clare Youth Service)
The Feargal Quinn Award is names after Feargal Quinn, who was the first chairperson of the steering committee for the Leaving Certificate Applied in the late 1990s.
Feargal Quinn oversaw the rolling out of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, the embedding of it in the Irish Education system, and he oversaw its continuing development in the following years.
The Leaving Cert Applied is a two year course that meets the needs of students who prefer the practical and continuous assessment approach in contrast to that of the ‘mainstream’ Leaving Cert.
It is continually assessed with a strong emphasis on recognising the talents of all students, giving them opportunities through the subjects and modules to develop personal responsibility and self-esteem.
The LCA is part of the further education and training curriculum delivered at LYS’ Community Training Centre, Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick with the support of the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centres, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
ENDS####
