MDCCE Award Winners

Congratulations to Maria Dunne and Sarah Kirwan winners of this year’s Religious Studies awards.

Maria was presented with the Vincentian Award for the highest achievement on the Certificate of Religious Studies programme taken in conjunction with the Bachelor of Education (Primary). The presentation was made by Fr. Joseph McCann of the Vincentian Fathers who as overseers of St. Patrick’s College provided this award over the years. The Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education (MDCCE) was delighted to welcome back Fr. Joe, a former staff member of St. Patrick’ s and one-time Head of Religious Education and Religious Studies, to assist in making this a very special moment for Maria and her mother and brother who joined us for the event.

Congratulations also to Sarah Kirwan who won the Raymond Topley Award for top marks among those taking the Religious Studies Specialism on the Bachelor of Education. The presentation was made by Dr. Gareth Byrne and Dr. Cora O’Farrell and honours Raymond Topley a wonderful colleague and also previous Head of Religious Education and Religious Studies at St. Patrick’s College. Sarah was joined by her parents and brother for the ceremony.

These award winners were among a number honoured at a special event directly after the BEd graduation ceremony, presided over by the Deputy Dean of DCU Institute of Education, Prof. Padraig O’Duibhir. Many congratulations to all our winners and to the whole class as they begin their careers in teaching.