South West College Celebrates the Class of 2024 at Annual Graduation Ceremony 10 Dec 2024 On Wednesday, 4 December, South West College (SWC) celebrated the remarkable achievements of its Higher Education students during the annual graduation ceremonies held at The Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. Family, friends, and staff gathered to honour the dedication and accomplishments of the Class of 2024. With over 600 attendees, the event featured inspiring addresses from College Principal and Chief Executive, Celine McCartan; Dr Nicholas O’Shiel, Governing Body Chair; Padraig McNamee, Director of Curriculum; and guest speaker Claire Boles, an Enniskillen native and a member of Ireland’s Rugby 7s team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, who captivated the audience with her inspiring journey. She shared her remarkable accomplishments in Biopharmaceutical Engineering and her outstanding sporting achievements. Congratulating students on their achievements, Celine McCartan, College Principal and Chief Executive said: ‘Graduation day is always a memorable occasion and an important milestone for our students. It is an opportunity to reflect upon their individual achievements, the knowledge gained, friendships made and experiences shared. It is a proud day not only for the students but their families, friends, colleagues and the staff of South West College, who have helped guide them to this point. I am delighted that the College can offer unique higher-level qualifications, including degree programmes, HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships, which have been developed with local universities and industry. We know from our many industry partners that South West College students have the sought after skills and qualifications they need to build successful careers. I congratulate each one of our graduates on their efforts and wish them every success for the future. I know they will do South West College proud and be strong ambassadors for the College.’ During the ceremony, Head of Quality, Brian McIlduff, announced the graduates, while certificates were presented by Celine McCartan. The qualifications spanned a wide range of subjects, including Automotive, Engineering, Construction, Counselling, Media, and Business Management. Additionally, over thirty special ‘Student of the Year’ awards were presented by Dr Nicholas O’Shiel to students who demonstrated exceptional success in their fields. Each ceremony also featured a heartfelt vote of thanks from Liam Sweeney of Strabane, who earned an Open University BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise, and Kieran Martin of Magherafelt, who graduated with an Open University Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in Culinary Arts. Reflecting on the significance of the day, Liam Sweeney shared: "Today is a momentous occasion for all of us. As a proud graduate of the Class of 2024, I am filled with gratitude and a profound sense of accomplishment. Education is a lifelong journey, and today we celebrate not just earning our qualifications but also the triumph of determination and the pursuit of our dreams." Echoing this sentiment, Kieran Martin added: "We owe our thanks to those who supported us our families, friends, faculty, and support staff. As we step into the future, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead with the skills and wisdom we’ve gained. Congratulations, Class of 2024!" The ceremony concluded with a closing address by Celine McCartan, who commended the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead. South West College is now accepting applications for full- and part-time courses starting in September 2025. Prospective students are invited to attend SWC Open Day events commencing January 2025 or to explore our wide range of higher education opportunities visit Higher Education | South West College Get Your Degree Join #TeamSWC Explore higher-level qualifications, including degree programmes, HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships Apply now! Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC.