Derry NWRC students Bronagh and Sahar receive special recognition awards
The Best in FE Awards celebrate the achievements of Further Education graduates from the College’s campuses across Derry, Strabane and Limavady
PICTURED ABOVE: Dr. Lynda Hegarty, Head of Faculty Life and Health Science at NWRC, Bronagh Downey, recipient of the Gerard Finnegan Memorial Award, Eimear Finnegan, Maire Finnegan, and Dr. Catherine O'Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC.
Students at North West Regional College (NWRC) have received special recognition awards at the annual Best in Further Education Celebrations at Strand Road campus.
Bronagh Downey received the Gerard Finnegan Memorial award recognizing achievements in the areas of endeavour and accomplishment throughout her studies, while Sahar Hassan was presented with a brand-new award for 2025 – the Award for excellence in ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Bronagh Downey recently completed Year 2 of the Access Diploma in Science. Despite facing challenges, Bronagh was determined to complete her qualification and progress to Higher Education and has always accepted advice, guidance and support.
The award was presented to Bronagh by Eimear Finnegan, daugher of the late Gerard Finnegan.
Bronagh said: "Returning to education at NWRC was one of the most positive experiences of my life. I could never have done it without the support, guidance and pastoral care I received from lecturers, the learning link, and admin and support staff."
Sahar Hassan is described as a hardworking, conscientious and inquisitive student. Judges were told she can always be trusted to be present, punctual with all homework completed. She passed all three modules of her Entry Level 3 exams and is also very generous with her time and patience while explaining new material to fellow students. She was presented with Excellence in ESOL award by Head of Faculty Clare Gallagher.
Sahar Hassan was presented with a brand-new award for 2025 – the Award for excellence in ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages. She is pictured with Clare Gallagher, Head of Faculty, and Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards.
At the Strabane Campus celebration Megan Clarke was presented with Eileen Cairns Scholarship, at Limavady Orla Hockley received the Zachary Geddis award, and Kacie Brown received the Barbara Crone Memorial Cup, while Rebecca Gavigan and Bradley Mullan received a scholarship from the Honourable the Irish Society.
Dr. Catherine O’Mullan Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC said: “These celebrations end another wonderful year at NWRC marking the personal achievements of students who have completed their studies in over 60 further education programmes across our five main campuses. I offer my sincere thanks to the exceptional teams across all our campuses. Our academic and support staff are second to none, and I know I speak for them when I say how proud we are of all the students.
“I also extend my congratulations to all of our Awards winners this year for their achievements and success.”
The Best in FE Awards celebrate the achievements of Further Education graduates from the College’s campuses across Derry, Strabane and Limavady.
The event is always a highlight in the College calendar and involves the presentation of certificates and prizes to students from the four main curriculum departments across all College campuses.