Limerick Student from Limerick Youth Service presented with Feargal Quinn Award

Feargal Quinn Award – Evelyn O’Keeffe, Limerick & Clare ETB, Kathryn Clancy, Limerick Youth Service, Jae Barron, recipient of the Feargal Quinn Award and Noreen Murphy, LYS Leaving Certificate Applied Coordinator, Limerick Youth Service

Jae Barron receives The Feargal Quinn Award for her 100% Distinction in the Leaving Certificate Applied with LYS

The Feargal Quinn Award was given to Limerick student Jae Barron at the recent Leaving Certificate Applied National Conference (LCANA) in Athlone for her 2025 Leaving Certificate Applied Distinction of 100%.

Jae completed her Leaving Certificate Applied at Limerick Youth Service’s Community Training Centre and is now studying at the College of FET, Mulgrave St, Limerick. 

The Feargal Quinn Award is named after Feargal Quinn, who was the first chairperson of the steering committee for the Leaving Certificate Applied syllabus in the late 1990s.

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‘I was delighted to receive the Feargal Quinn Award and it was great to celebrate in Athlone with my family, friends and teachers from Limerick Youth Service (LYS),’ said Jae.

In a journey that may strike a chord with other young people, Jae left secondary school during the Senior Cycle and was unsure of her next step.

‘I took time to research where I could continue my education and came across Limerick Youth Service,’ said Jae adding ‘I saw that they offered the Leaving Certificate Applied programme (at their Community Training Centre) which immediately caught my interest as it felt like a clear step toward progressing to college.’

Jae felt the structure of the Leaving Certificate Applied suited her saying ‘it has a manageable workload that allows students to grow steadily, while also providing unique opportunities over the two years that may not be available elsewhere.’

‘I would highly recommend the Leaving Certificate Applied and Limerick Youth Service to anyone looking to continue their education after experiencing difficulties in a traditional secondary school setting, or to someone who had to leave due to circumstances beyond their control, said Jae.

Reflecting fondly on her time with the LYS Community Training Centre, Jae said ‘one of the most important things I learned during my time at LYS is that nothing can stop me from achieving my goals. That belief, instilled in me by the staff, is something I will carry with me forever.’

Since completing the LCA, Jae is studying Laboratory Techniques (Applied Science), at the College of Further Education & Training’s Mulgrave St Campus. Once completed, Jae will progress to the University of Limerick to study either Mechanical Engineering or Biological and Chemical Sciences.

LYS would like to congratulate Jae on her thoroughly deserved Feargal Quinn Award and wish her the very best of luck in her future career. 

The LCA is a two-year course that meets the needs of students who prefer the practical and continuous assessment approach in contrast to that of the ‘mainstream’ Leaving Cerificate.

It is continually assessed with a strong emphasis on recognising the talents of all students, giving them opportunities through the subjects and modules to develop personal responsibility and self-esteem.

The LCA is part of the further education and training curriculum delivered at LYS’ Community Training Centre, Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick with the support of the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board.

A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centres, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.