We are extremely lucky in Carlow to have such a splendid facility such as the Institute of Technology, it sits just outside Carlow town and is host to almost 5,000 students. Among those are roughly 1,800 mature students who are an ever growing statistic in college numbers, I myself am one and it has been an eye-opener let me tell you.The college itself has grown dramatically over the past ten years and again a new extension is almost complete making it a more modern and pleasing college to study at. New courses are taking place every year and IT Carlow have the honour of being the only college in Ireland to offer GAA, rugby and soccer related scholarships in conjunction with the FAI, the GAA and IRFU. The head of the college Ruairi Nevin is very much a man who looks to the future and his vision has brought these courses to IT Carlow. Additionaly a further 50+ acres has been acquired just down the way from the existing college and this will eventually be the second and much larger campus. For the town this is a major boost as the student numbers will at least double bringing with them massive spending power for local businnesses and landlords.
The future is very bright in IT Carlow and with this there is a sense of achievement for all who have taught, worked and campaigned throughout the years for funding and recognition, of course the students past and present are the lifeblood of any college and without them there would be no IT. Graduates have gone to every corner of the globe armed with their diplomas and degrees from this college and many have achieved great things in their fields of excellence, just this year two of our graduates from the gaming design course were headhunted and recruited by one of America’s leading game developers based in San Francisco. the only way is onward and upward for the IT and its student’s, we are here to stay and will continue to flourish against all the obstacles presented. Students may sometimes get bad press and maybe it is warranted but I can, hand on heart tell you that there is so much talent, optimism, passion and commitment evident in IT Carlow that if Ireland looks after its youth and the education system the country is in safe hands.
Iarfhlaith said:
I studied there between 2001 and 2005. I chose IT Carlow because I wanted to do a particular course there that wasn’t offered anywhere else. While I was there I discovered my passion for the web, for solving problems, and was constantly encouraged by the staff and lecturers who seemed to take a genuine interest in my personal development.
It’s great to hear the college has gone from strength to strength. I’m always telling people what a great experience I had there. It’s also exciting to hear there’s a new building extension opening up. They had just opened the new library when I started and it brought a whole new lease of life to the campus. Here’s hoping the new extension continues to improve on the great culture they’ve developed there.
davidbohanna said:
Good to hear that Iarfhlaith, it is a credit to our town and hopefully it will continue to grow and flourish.
Thank you for the comment and hope the course served you well.
Regards
David
Des Carbery said:
David , thanks for that encouraging review of something wonderful at our doorstep, here in Carlow.
I was fortunate to work there as a lecturer in engineering from 1971 to 2007 and then continue as a Post Grad student 2007-2010. It was a lovely environment to walk into each day with inspiring supportive people and developing facilities.
I live alongside so continue to watch developments and call in.
Take care
Des Carbery
davidbohanna said:
Thank you Des it was nice to get your positive comment I appreciate that.
Hopefully the college continues on it’s present path and who knows, maybe someday it will achieve that elusive university status.
Regards
David Bohanna