Ireland’s top-tier education sector celebrated in all its diversity at the Education Awards 2024

Celebrating the best of Ireland’s education sector brought together more than 300 teachers, researchers, leaders and managers from schools, universities and the private sector to the Education Awards 2024 at the end of April.

Held at the Killashee Hotel, Co Kildare, and hosted by comedian, broadcaster and author Colm O’Regan, the awards are now in their seventh year. They showcase a world-leading sector.

Each year the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development produces a snapshot of education achievement for its top-flight countries. The 2023 snapshot ranks Ireland right up there in the top three or four.

• Tertiary attainment among 25-64 year-olds 54.4 per cent, rank 3/46
• Tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds 63.3 per cent rank 4/45
• Share of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent 36 per cent rank 4/44
• Share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a doctorate 1.5 per cent rank 4/35

The one measure where countries want a low score – the level of below upper secondary attainment among 25-34 year-olds – Ireland produced just 5.1 per cent giving it a ranking of 41/44.

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Judging coordinator for the awards, Willie Donnelly, director of research and innovation at the Technical Higher Education Association, put those stats in context.

“The Education Awards celebrate the central role that Irish third-level education plays in the economic, social and cultural development of Ireland. The idea of third-level education as an ivory tower providing an intellectual refuge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is far from the reality of today’s academic environment,” he said.

“The level of collaboration between institutes across the island working together to deliver better and more innovative solutions for students and society is a particular theme of this year’s awards.”

So which education establishment took the top prize in the 2024 awards? The judges gave the overall excellence award to University of Limerick.

The citation said: “The University of Limerick distinguishes itself by fostering an integrated approach that enhances student and staff experiences across a multitude of academic and practical areas. Their comprehensive commitment to excellence in education, sustainability and community engagement has truly set them apart as the pinnacle of educational achievement this year.”

The best research project went to Donegal, Galway-Mayo and Sligo-based Atlantic Technology University (ATU) and Ulster University for their combined Irish Student Wellbeing and ADHD Project (I-SWAP).

Dr Louise McBride, academic manager and researcher on the project from ATU, said: “We are thrilled that I-SWAP has won the best research project. The research findings offer valuable insights into the experiences of students with ADHD, emphasising the importance of supporting neurodiverse learners within university settings on the island of lreland.”

Munster Technological University (MTU) bagged the best use of educational technology/ICT initiative award for its entry called Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI).

Dr Fiona Boyle, director of the award-winning project, said: “We are delighted and proud to have won this prestigious award. The award reflects the hard work by our team in MTU to adopt and implement cutting edge technologies to give our student engineers the best educational experience, setting them up for career success in the future.”

The private sector picked up some gongs too. Dublin-based chemical giant Bristol Myers Squibb won the best graduate training programme. Cian Mallen, principal scientist at the firm, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. It acknowledges the dedication and commitment we have across Bristol Myers Squibb in Ireland to grow and develop our talent pipeline through a rich learning experience.”

And the best language school award went to the capital’s Irish College of English. Ian McElhinney, operations manager, praised his staff. “We would like to thank our brilliant teachers, activity leaders, administrative staff and host families. Their hard work and dedication make learning English in Ireland such a rewarding experience for all our students.”

Awards are about entering, showcasing your skills and learning from the best, not just winning. Several shortlisted companies were happy to have shown off their projects. As judging co-ordinator, Willie Donnelly said: “The reality is that the level of excellence, innovation and impact of the majority of submissions made the selection process hugely challenging for the review panel.

“The panel would like to recognise and congratulate not only the winners but all of the applicants who are actively supporting the educational, social, and economic needs of their communities.”

Love2Learn was narrowly pipped to the post to be the best language school. Gareth Leech, general manager, said: “The entire Love2Learn team were so excited when we were shortlisted for the award of best language school. It is a fantastic achievement, recognising and reinforcing the impact we have on students and the education industry. The award night was a great chance to network and prepare for next year.”

Pyn Lim, chief executive of the European College of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (ECAMS), which was shortlisted for the excellence in education by a professional body award, said: “Since 2008, aesthetic medicine and surgery have evolved through evidence-based learning. ECAMS is dedicated to training doctors and surgeons, prioritising safety and excellence, and shaping a landscape that enhances patient care and wellbeing in this field.”

The best international collaboration project and international engagement awards saw Ed-hoc International on the shortlist. Minhaj Muhammed TK, director, said: “Ed-hoc is proud to bring international students to Ireland, focusing on critical skills shortages. Our commitment to bridging talent gaps benefits both students and Ireland’s economy.”

Sharon Flynn, the national co-ordinator of N-TUTORR from the Technological Higher Education Association, another finalist for the best collaboration project award, says, “The Education Awards provide a wonderful opportunity for the higher education sector to come together and recognise the achievements, hard work and commitment of staff throughout the year.”

The Dundalk-based Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education was shortlisted for both the best further education provider and best student experience awards. Conor Rafferty, deputy principal, said: “Ó Fiaich Institute of FET empowers learners with vital skills and qualifications through a broad range of QQI Level 5 and 6 courses. Graduates are prepared for higher education and positioned to thrive in Ireland’s dynamic economic environment.”

Judging coordinator Donnolly summed up the awards. “Education continues to respond to its students by providing multiple delivery pathways via physical and online platforms, delivering a flexible, student-centrist curriculum that equips students with skills needed to meet the changing needs of society, particularly the labour market.

“Particularly noteworthy in this year’s awards is the breadth of engagement, level of innovation and the social and economic impact of higher education with its education, social and economic partners nationally and internationally.”

The Education Awards will be back for 2025: because we never stop learning.

Full list of judges

• Willie Donnelly, director of research and innovation, The Technical Higher Education Association
• Paul Mullally, director, Education Lighthouse
• Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, Atlantic Technological University transformation project manager, ATU Donegal
• Denise McMorrow, head of student experience, Institute of Art, Design and Technology & co-chair of Unesco Dublin Learning City
• Joseph Collins, director of Further Education and Training, ETBI
• Liam O’Reilly, director of IT, University of Limerick
• Padraig Hyland, head – education technology, information technology division, University of Limerick
• Colette Henry, head of department of business studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Eoin McCarthy, head of creative media, College of Further Education & Training, Mulgrave St Campus, Limerick
• Dr Kushan Rathnasekara, researcher, University of Kelaniya
• Yuxin Wang, chief executive and co-founder, GoMappED
• Tomas Finneran, co-founder and director, Flúirse Education Solutions
• Eoin Smith, course director, Pulse College
• Prof Graham Heaslip, head of school of engineering, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
• Dr Matt Cotterell, head of school of mechanical electrical and process engineering, Munster Technological University
• Gavin Henrick, chief executive, Brickfield Education Labs
• Siobhán Murphy, assistant principal, Kerry College
• Declan J Allen, head of logistics, supply chain and project management, Technological University Dublin

Full list of winners

Overall excellence award

Winner: University of Limerick

Best language school

Winner: Irish College of English

Best further education provider

Winner: Drogheda Institute of Further Education

Best Erasmus programme

Winner: University of Limerick

Best collaboration project

Winner: Maynooth University, TUS, DCU, DkIT & UCC – Virtual Labs Team

Best international collaboration project

Winner: MTU & European Alliance – Innovation Challenge

Best student experience award

Winner: TUS – International Student Experience Team

Best library team

Winner: University of Limerick – Glucksman Library

Career impact strategy award

Winner: University of Galway – Employability Award

Best online learning experience

Winner: Munster Technological University – Innovative Product Development

Best education outreach award

Winner: Systems Biology Ireland & UCD

Student engagement & communications award

Winner: University of Limerick, Academic Registry – Engaging with & empowering students

Best research project

Winner: ATU & UU – I-SWAP

Best use of educational technology/ICT initiative

Winner: Munster Technological University – Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland

Best graduate training programme

Winner: Bristol Myers Squibb

Best internship programme award

Winner: University of Limerick – Immersive Software Engineering

Best masters programme

Winner: UCC, Cork University Business School – MSc Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives

International engagement award

Winner: Technological University of the Shannon

Excellence in education by a professional body

Winner: LIA

Best student accommodation

Winner: University of Limerick

Excellence in diversity, inclusivity, equality

Winner: Mary Immaculate College

Excellence in sustainability

Winner: University of Galway

Best industry/business – academic collaboration

Winner: TUS Athlone – Digital Speaker Series

Best marketing/communications team

Winner: University of Limerick

Best community academic collaboration

Winner: Middletown Centre for Autism & Mary Immaculate College – Graduate Programmes in Autism Studies