On Wednesday 6^th May 2026, the College celebrated the second annual ‘Value in Volunteering’ Celebration Event. The event was attended by Professor Peter Finn, staff, and students from the BEd and BA degree programmes who were recipients of awards. 

Prof. Finn commented on how volunteering plays an integral role in the personal and professional development of students, specifically in relation to the skills and confidence that they have gained through their experiences. He also underlined how volunteering is central to the College mission, stating, “Your willingness to give your time, energy, care, and service to others is something we are immensely proud of. Volunteering speaks to the heart of who we are as a College: our mission in action, supporting communities, addressing need and contributing positively to society.”  

Further to this, Ryan McParland (BEd 4 Primary with History) spoke on behalf of all the students who were being recognised and rewarded at this event. Ryan shared his experiences of volunteering in the College Liturgy Group and within his parish. Ryan highlighted how the act of volunteering provides a deep sense of fulfilment and provides the opportunity to connect with others and find a purpose in life.

Our students contributed over 3,300 hours of volunteering this year across 58 different organisations, ranging from cross community homework clubs, Irish language promotion in local GAA clubs as well as volunteering within the College community as student ambassadors and the leaders of the Clubs and Societies. We commended and acknowledged all students for their volunteering contributions, but we also recognised the student who recorded the greatest number of hours. Sarah McCloskey (pictured below with Prof. Peter Finn), a BEd 4 Primary with Science student, undertook an incredible 224 hours of volunteering across her time as a student in St Mary’s. 

The ‘Value in Volunteering’ Programme began in September 2024. The programme was designed to provide opportunities for students to develop their skills and enhance their employability through meaningful volunteering experiences.

This Celebration Event was an important opportunity to reward and recognise the fantastic contributions that our students have on College life and in the wider communities where they volunteer. There were thirty-six students in total who achieved accreditation for their volunteering hours. Students who achieved the criteria for certification were awarded either a Bronze (25 hours), Silver (50 hours), or a Gold (75 hours) Certificate.

The College would like to commend and congratulate all our students who achieved accreditation for their volunteering contributions. Finally, a special thank you to Volunteer NOW for their endorsement of the programme.