Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Tom, who turned 82 last week, pictured at today's graduation ceremony. WIT

'If I can do it, anyone can do it': 82-year-old Wexford man graduates from Waterford IT

Tom Boyle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Irish this morning.

ONE OF IRELAND’S oldest full-time undergraduate students has graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology.

Tom Boyle, who turned 82 last week, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Irish this morning. 

Boyle initially set out studying Law in WIT but made the move to Arts.

Throughout his studies in Waterford city he travelled to college each day from Ramsgrange, Co Wexford.

Tom told Morning Ireland this morning that he returned to education at the age of 78 because wanted to achieve something. 

“I wanted to achieve something. I had started years ago but for different reasons had to give it up. I felt I ought to do something about it.”

He said his college experience was “marvellous, absolutely marvellous” adding that “everybody in WIT went out of their way to make me welcome, they were tremendous”. 

It did me a power of good. 

He said his family were taken aback initially by his decision to return to education but that he couldn’t have done it without their support. 

“If I can do it, anyone can do it. It’s not an age thing.”

Tom said his only regret is that he didn’t return to college sooner. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Adam Daly
View 13 comments
Close
13 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds