After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Carlow College, and a Postgraduate Degree in Education NUI Galway, Donegal native Dáire Ó Néill, a teacher since 2013, has been appointed as Deputy Principal at the All-Irish speaking school, Coláiste Chinéal Eoghain.
Dáire’s Carlow College journey began in 2008, when he decided to move across the country to join our BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities programme. A Donegal native, Dáire was keen to study English and History, but the idea of studying Philosophy and Psychology also appealed to him, so he decided to break out on his own and move to Carlow.
College Journey
Dáire was finishing school in 2008 and was unsure of which career path to choose, but decided he would study English and History, the subjects he enjoyed most in school. Carlow College offered a BA Hons in Arts and Humanities, which included English, History, Philosophy, and Psychology, all subjects that appealed to Dáire. Coming from a small secondary school, he also found the idea of the community setting of Carlow College comforting, and an easy place to meet people.
Eager to experience college life away from home, Dáire chose to move to Carlow College where he knew no one. Leaving Letterkenny behind, he was excited about the prospect of making new friends and starting fresh. His passion for History and English, along with a curiosity for Philosophy and Psychology, made Carlow College the perfect choice.
Reflecting on his decision, Dáire admits he was not entirely sure what he hoped to achieve at the time. However, he saw the Humanities program as a gateway to many possibilities. For someone still figuring things out, it offered the perfect blend of interest and opportunity, giving him the time and space to discover his true path.
Studying at Carlow College
Dáire really enjoyed the variety that Arts and Humanities gave. With no previous experience learning Philosophy and Psychology, they fascinated Dáire and he loved studying Philosophy
under Dr Noel Kavanagh. It was a difficult subject, but the lecturers broke it down in a way that made it easy for new students to understand.
English was Dáire’s favourite subject in school, and he continued this passion for creative writing under Dr. Derek Coyle at Carlow College. Derek’s enthusiasm for writing and poetry inspired Dáire to focus more on his own work. He enjoyed the enthusiasm and humour Derek brought to the classroom. One memorable day, when no one else showed up for class, Derek and Dáire decided to go to a nearby café. Over tea, they discussed Dáire’s work and other poetry, making Dáire feel very valued at Carlow College.
Overcoming Challenges
The biggest difficulty Dáire found was being so far away from home in Donegal. It was daunting for him to move from one side of the country to the other, but he found the people in Carlow to be incredibly welcoming and friendly, which made his experience much more pleasant.
During his third year, Dáire faced a deeply personal challenge involving a loved one. The support he received from the College’s Student Counselling Services was invaluable during that time.
Further Study
In Carlow, Dáire achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, which paved the way for him to pursue a Postgraduate Degree in Education at NUI Galway, graduating in 2013. Currently, Dáire holds the position of Deputy Principal at an All-Irish Post Primary School in Donegal. The valuable life lessons he learned in Carlow have shaped him into the professional he is today.
Favourite Memories of Carlow College
Dáire enjoyed the nightlife that Carlow had to offer, as well as the friendly and sociable atmosphere cultivated by many of the pubs for the students. Carlow College’s small size made it easy to get acquainted with most classmates and forge friendships. Dáire’s fondest memories revolve around the friendships he formed, and the lasting connections he made through the Students’ Union, and by participating in various social clubs. The college regularly organised diverse social events throughout the year to bring students together, which Dáire attended regularly.
The BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities (PC410) is now a three-year joint honours degree, in which students can major in two of the following subjects: English & the Creative Imagination, History, Politics, Philosophy, Psychology and Theology.
Carlow College
