Photos By Janet Gillanders
Priyanka Bajpai, Hina Usman, Lisa Carolan (ELC Special Needs Assistant)
Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) proudly hosted its annual graduation ceremony at the TLT Theatre in Drogheda this May, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2025/26. Due to the large number of graduates, three separate ceremonies were held to accommodate all attendees.
Students were awarded qualifications across a wide range of disciplines, including QQI Level 5 and Level 6 awards, as well as certificates and diplomas from other awarding bodies such as NECF, City & Guilds of London, CIBTAC, ITEC, IAOT, and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.
The ceremony was generously sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, continuing its longstanding partnership with DIFE in supporting student achievement and lifelong learning within the community.
Graduates were recognised across a diverse range of fields, including Culinary Arts, Art & Design, Business, Pre-University courses (Arts, Law, and Science), Construction Studies, Beauty Therapy, Multimedia, Photography, Sport & Leisure, Nursing, Childcare and Applied Social Studies, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare Support, Dental Nursing, and Pharmacy Technician studies.
The ceremony was presided over by DIFE Principal Mr. Shane Williams, alongside Deputy Principals Orla Morrissey and Barbara Cooney. The event was expertly organised by Pauline Sheeran and the graduation committee, whose efforts were warmly acknowledged and appreciated by all in attendance.
Distinguished guests included Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at LMETB; Sharon Tolan of the DIFE Board of Management; Finbarr Murphy representing Drogheda Credit Union; Hubert Murphy, CEO of Drogheda Chamber; Cllr. Carol Lennon; and Mick Toner, all of whom attended to congratulate this year’s graduates.
Special guest, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr. Michelle Hall also addressed the ceremony and warmly congratulated students on their achievements.
In his address, DIFE Principal Mr. Shane Williams said:
“Graduates, as you look ahead, remember that today is not the end of your journey, it is the beginning of the next chapter. Whether you are progressing to further study, starting a career, or exploring new opportunities, you leave DIFE equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to make your mark on the world.”
DIFE offers a wide range of courses with clear progression pathways to higher education in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, as well as employment-focused qualifications across sectors such as childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, and health and fitness.
Applications for upcoming courses are now open. For more information, visit: www.dife.ie
