SpecialGraduationDayforMaryandLiam
IT’S not often a couple in love get to graduate together on the same day from the same college. But that’s exactly what happened when Mary Taylor and Liam Brick enjoyed the pomp and ceremony of graduation day at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa in Cork on Friday last.
Mary is from Kenmare and studies Social Studies, while partner Mark - a mature student and native of Barrow - graduated from year-one in his course: Music, Management and Sound. It was a day made all the more special by virtue of the fact their families were in attendance and even sat together throughout the ceremony.
“We’ve managed to get a good routine going when it comes to studying. That helps. It’s really good working with each other and I suppose it’s unique for a couple to graduate on the same day. You don’t hear of it happening too often,” Mary said.
The couple met in Cork at the start of their college days. They live in Cork today and both are looking forward to the next stage of studying together. Liam’s course, and its association with music, also provides an opportunity for the couple to enjoy some down time together. Mary said it’s an arrangement that has its advantages for when both are committed to the concept of studying, it makes the whole process a little easier.
“It is an advantage in the sense we can work together. It’s much easier to study when someone’s working alongside you and encouraging you to keep going and not to get distracted. Liam’s course also means he plays music in local gigs in town and we have that as a fun thing to do together. It was lovely having out families there on the day as well.”
Mary will now move on to Cork Institute of Technology to continue her education in Social Science, while Liam is entering the second and final year of his course at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa.