Áine from Ardvaugh, Glangevlin, Co Cavan enrolled on the QQI Level 5 Sports Coaching and Leisure Management at Cavan Institute in September 2019. After successfully completing the course, she used her QQI Level 5 to apply through CAO and was offered her first choice, the BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical Activity at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Áine commented that "my time at Cavan Institute was very enjoyable and beneficial, from attending the college not alone did I receive outstanding help from my tutors but I also grew a bond with them as they treated everyone equally. The encouragement I received from my lecturers was excellent. As a result of this, I qualified as a pool lifeguard and received numerous coaching and gym qualifications.
From completing the Sports Coaching and Leisure Management course it allowed me to build my confidence and communication skills as I presented numerous coaching classes and class presentations in front of my classmates. The help I received while carrying out my assignments has prepared me for attending Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2020/21.
I would like to thank my two main tutors Bryan Bates and Mary McEnroe for making my experience at Cavan Institute unforgettable. The encouragement and enthusiasm I received throughout the entire year allowed me to achieve excellent grades and the student of the year award.
My course enabled me to enhance my knowledge of nutrition, coaching techniques and the different functions of the human body.
Attending Cavan Institute was one of my most enjoyable years as I met many inspirational people and some lifelong friends.
Cavan Institute provides a broad range of courses and I would highly recommend it to students unsure of their future studies as it is a great indicator to gain more knowledge of the course you may wish to complete in an Institute of Technology or University.
During my time at Cavan Institute, I played alongside very skilled girls on the Gaelic football team, as a result of the talent we reached the semi-final stages. I would also like to thank Bryan Bates and Shane McCabe for coaching us throughout the year helping us to achieve this and selecting me as ladies footballer of the year.
I had the privilege of being chosen to travel to Torquay in England on an Erasmus trip which allowed me to learn more about leisure facilities and the fitness sector in general. I would like to thank Dawn Graham for making the Erasmus trip possible. Without the people mentioned above, my experience would not have been the same and I will forever be grateful."