PICTURES: Graduation day joy for Laois adults in Portlaoise Institute

Portlaoise Institute, the leading third level college in Laois, has celebrated its largest-ever graduating class with two packed ceremonies at the Killeshin Hotel on Friday, September 5.

See full report below the gallery of photographs of graduates.

Emma Gilcreest LOETB Tertiary Coordinator, Isabel Rafter Overall Student of the Year, Michelle Shanahan LOETB Pathways Manager, Keith McClearn Principal Portlaoise Institute.

The college had to introduce dual ceremonies for the first time to accommodate their record numbers. The day was filled with pride, inspiration, and celebration by families, staff, and special guests.

Students were graduating from many programmes including business, healthcare, creative media, beauty, and social studies.

The first ceremony event featured guest speaker Darren Amond, a professional footballer with the League of Ireland and a career that has taken him across Europe. Darren encouraged graduates to bring the same qualities of persistence, teamwork, and adaptability to their personal and professional journeys.

Later in the evening at the second ceremony, graduates were addressed by Caoimhe Foynes, entrepreneur and founder of CF Beauty in Clonaslee. Sharing her personal story of building a successful business, Caoimhe highlighted the power of creativity, resilience, and taking risks.

In his address to graduates, Principal Keith McClearn reflected on the record-breaking year and the collective effort that made it possible.

“This extraordinary number of graduates is a testament to the ambition and determination of our students, as well as the dedication of our teaching and support teams.

“It also speaks to the trust and support we receive from families and the wider community. Each graduate leaves us
equipped with skills and confidence to make a real difference in their chosen paths. We could not be prouder,” he said.