Former Kilkenny & Carlow ETB learner Vicky Phelan honoured at national event

Over 200 delegates gave the family of CervicalCheck campaigner and former Kilkenny and Carlow ETB learner Vicky Phelan a sustained standing ovation as she was recognised at a special event in Thomond Park run by Education and Training Boards Ireland, as part of its national ‘ETB Week’ celebrations.

The presentation was made to Vicky’s husband, Jim Phelan, and their son Darragh by the Principal of Vicky’s former school, Coláiste Cois Siuire, Conor Power.

“It’s an honour to accept this award on behalf of Vicky," said Jim Phelan.

"As someone who placed an immense value on education throughout her life and considered herself a ‘life-long-learner’, it’s touching that she is being acknowledged and remembered by Education and Training Boards Ireland and Kilkenny and Carlow ETB.”

Hosted by RTÉ newsreader and former ETB student, Ray Kennedy, a variety of awards were presented on the day. These included the ETB Alumni awards, which were presented to 17 former ETB learners who have achieved excellence in their chosen field or made an outstanding contribution to their local community. Other notable alumni nominees were Olympians Sarah Lavin and Róisín Ní Riain, and former education editor of The Irish Independent Katherine Donnelly.

Also awarded on the day were four ETB Bursaries. These were presented to exceptional current ETB learners to support their future study, entrepreneurship or community activism in the areas of Technology and AI, Green Innovation, Media & Communications and the Irish Language. Each bursary was valued at €5,000 and includes professional support. Runners up were awarded €500.

Entertainment was provided by a rock group comprising ETB learners and staff who inspired a national carpool karaoke competition, and Limerick-based rappers MuRli and God Knows Jonas.

Congratulating the winners of the awards, Paddy Lavelle, Chief Executive of ETBI said: “Excellence in education and training across all sixteen ETBs in the country – through their current and past students is really on display today, and I congratulate all our winners on their achievements. Their stories show us the power in education, and how it can have a pivotal impact on your life’s path.

“I would like to commend our ETBs – they continue to go above and beyond to create diverse, accessible and effective learning opportunities in all corners of the country – impacting communities and ensuring people nationwide have access to education – regardless of what stage of life they are at.”

Further information is available at: https://events.etbi.ie/ETBWEEK2024