Connect with us

Education

Limerick and Clare ETB celebrates clean sweep at National ETB Excellence Awards 2025

Published

1 month ago

on

 Limerick and Clare ETB celebrates clean sweep at National ETB Excellence Awards 2025. Abhishek Jino, from Limerick College of Music, Limerick & Clare ETB, at the ETB Excellence Awards. Abhishek was the winner of a national talent competition run across Ireland’s 16 Education & Training Boards. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board learners and staff celebrated a very special afternoon at the National ETB Excellence Awards, held in Croke Park as part of ETB Week 2025

Pictured following her win at the ETB Excellence Awards, learner Catherine Ruiz with from left: Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive; Catherine’s son Noah; Bernadette Enright, Centre Manager, Hospitality Campus; Carol Dollery, Chef Instructor, Hospitality Campus; Cllr Gabriel Keating, ETB Board Member; Breda Flynn, Director of OSD; and Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools.
Pictured following her win at the ETB Excellence Awards, learner Catherine Ruiz with from left: Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive; Catherine’s son Noah; Bernadette Enright, Centre Manager, Hospitality Campus; Carol Dollery, Chef Instructor, Hospitality Campus; Cllr Gabriel Keating, ETB Board Member; Breda Flynn, Director of OSD; and Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools.

The awards hosted by former ETB learner and RTÉ Newsreader, Ray Kennedy, and opened by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, recognised the contributions of learners and staff from across Ireland’s sixteen ETBs and the services they provide to learners of all ages.

The Minister spoke about the transformative power of education and congratulated all the nominees on their efforts: “Your dedication reminds us that education is not just about what we learn, it is about what we become. It is about pushing limits, breaking barriers, and striving for excellence every single day.”

Among those striving for excellence on behalf of Limerick and Clare ETB was learner Catherine Ruiz, who won the Excellence in Care Award, a recognition made even more special as it came just in time for Mother’s Day. Catherine, a single mother of four children with additional needs, embodies dedication and resilience. At 60 years old, she enrolled in a full-time culinary course at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of Further Education and Training, Hospitality Campus alongside her son, Noah, offering him unflagging support throughout his journey.


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement

Her advocacy for inclusive education and tireless encouragement played a key role in Noah’s success, including his gold medal win at the recent National Chef Ireland CATEX competitions. Catherine’s victory at the ETB Excellence Awards highlights the profound impact of a mother’s love not only for her family but for her community. Her inspiring dedication made her a truly deserving recipient of the Excellence in Care Award.

Representatives from Limerick Youth Theatre accepting their ETB Excellence Award at Croke Park. . (photo by Marc O'Sullivan)
Representatives from Limerick Youth Theatre accepting their award at the National ETB Excellence Awards in Croke Park. Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

In addition to Catherine’s well-deserved win, Limerick and Clare ETB saw other successes on the day. Limerick Youth Theatre won the Excellence in Youth Services Award for its short film Imaha. Created by young adults from the theatre and supported by the UBU Your Place Your Space programme, Imaha is a powerful reflection of collective creativity. Loosely based on a story by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, the film was developed alongside professional artists and showcases the talents of the next generation of artists in Limerick and Clare.

Abhishek Jino, a 9-year-old pianist from Limerick School of Music, won the ETB All Stars Talent Award, impressing judges with his musical talent and earning a €1,000 prize. Abhishek’s dedication to his craft, starting at just five years old, has already led to multiple competition wins, and this award marks another exciting milestone in his journey.

Finally Audrey Fitzgerald, shortlisted for the Excellence in Organisation Support and Development Award placed runner-up in the category for her outstanding work in sustainability as a teacher at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of Further Education and Training, Mulgrave Street Campus. Audrey’s initiatives in promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility have made a significant impact on her campus and the wider community.

Pictured following his ETB All Stars Talent Award win, Abhishek Jino with his family and from left: Cecilia Madden, Principal, Limerick School of Music; and Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive.
Pictured following his ETB All Stars Talent Award win, Abhishek Jino with his family and from left: Cecilia Madden, Principal, Limerick School of Music; and Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive.

Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, Bernadette Cullen, acknowledged the achievements of the group: “I am thrilled to congratulate all of our shortlisted nominees. Taking home an award at the ETB Excellence Awards is a great achievement that highlights the dedication, passion, and hard work of our learners, staff, and community partners.

“This full sweep of awards reflects the support of students to attain to their potential and the commitment of staff at Limerick and Clare ETB. Each winner has made a lasting impact in their field, and we are proud to support their continued success. This recognition not only celebrates their individual achievements but also showcases the strength of our education and training community.”

The ETB Excellence Awards also featured a special performance by former ETB student Tolü Makay, whose soulful voice captivated the audience of over 200 who came together to celebrate their collective achievements and their shared commitment to educational excellence.

Pictured following her success at the ETB Excellence Awards, teacher Audrey Fitzgerald with from left: Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive; John Hehir, Deputy Principal, Mulgrave Street Campus; and Breda Flynn, Director of OSD.
Pictured following her success at the ETB Excellence Awards, teacher Audrey Fitzgerald with from left: Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive; John Hehir, Deputy Principal, Mulgrave Street Campus; and Breda Flynn, Director of OSD.
Related Topics:

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.