Dr Rory O’Sullivan Awarded the Professional Excellence Award by Griffith College

Pictured at Griffith College Dublin is Dr Rory O’Sullivan, who was conferred with a Professional Excellence Award at the College’s annual graduation ceremonies.

Dr O’Sullivan received his award from Professor Diarmuid Hegarty, President of Griffith College, for his outstanding contribution in advancing further education in Ireland.

Here is what John Walshe said of Dr Rory O'Sullivan's contribution to advancing further education in Ireland.

"We are here today to honour Dr Rory O’Sullivan who, with others, has helped to ensure that FET (Further Education and Training) is finally getting to the ball. It’s taking its rightful place and getting the recognition it deserves. You won’t be surprised by a quote from Minister Simon Harris who said Rory’s “relentless, valuable contribution towards the development of FET has been second to none”. I’d use another word to describe Rory’s determination and that’s ‘dogged’ because as long as I’ve known him, he has worked tirelessly to promote the idea of a strong FET sector."

"Rory and other leaders of further education colleges were eager for change. They set up a sub-group of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals. They looked to mainland Europe and saw that FET was delivered in an integrated way and operated as a single sector. They realised that this was also needed in Ireland and began to campaign for a unified FET sector here."

"I think it's very fitting that Rory should receive the Professional Excellence Award today from Griffith College, an institution with which he has had an association for 15 years. As many of you know, Griffith will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Like the FET sector it has also demonstrated great flexibility, adaptability, and innovation over the years in its full time and part time, further and higher education provision."

Pictured: Dr Rory O'Sullivan (centre) with Diarmuid Hegarty (left) and John Walshe (right) at the Griffith College Graduation on 8th November 2023.

(pictures by Maxwell Photography)