Learning

Anne (Peig) O Sullivan’s road back to education started in Killarney VTOS. With encouragement from all at VTOS, Anne sat her Leaving Certificate in June 1999. With her new qualification and inner belief, opportunities started to arise. In Anne’s own words, VTOS gave her an education and valuable life skills to trust in her ability and work towards her values and beliefs. Anne is forever grateful to the VTOS staff for believing in her and seeing her potential.

Following the Leaving Certificate, Anne furthered her studies with a Diploma in Youth and Community Work from UCC. She then progressed to working in an assessment and resource unit with young people presenting with behavioural issues. Whilst in this employment, she continued to study and achieved a degree in social care.

This qualified Anne to apply for her dream job, supporting families and young people in marginalised communities experiencing difficulties. After 10 years of working in this role, she returned to education part-time and studied counselling and psychotherapy at MTU. In 2021 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. As a result, Anne opened her own psychotherapy practice - Osultheraphy. Anne supports parents in becoming aware of how their attachment to their early care has shaped them and impacted their parenting style.

She has recently returned to education to do a post-graduate Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy, ensuring she has the most up-to-date training. VTOS staff attended a webinar delivered by Anne and found it highly informative. They found Anne to be very knowledgeable and with a tremendous ability to connect with her audience.

It highlights the empowerment of education whereby the student becomes the master, in this case, an insightful and skilled master.

International fashion designer, Don O’ Neill, visits his old secondary school, Causeway Comprehensive

Emer O’ Brien

Don O’Neill, who has thrived as a top international fashion designer for over three decades, visited his old secondary school Causeway Comprehensive in the run-up to Christmas 2022. Don was born and raised in the beautiful seaside village of Ballyheigue and attended Causeway Comprehensive School in the 80s. It was there he fostered his love of art, fashion and textiles. During his visit, Don was very generous with his time to students and staff, delineating his career path of achieving international fashion designer fame. Don also recalled many endearing stories from his schooldays in Causeway Comprehensive. He also spoke to the students about their well-being and the importance of being happy with oneself.

Among the many exhibits he presented was the dress worn by the New York Rose for the Rose of Tralee. The students got to touch the famous sunset dress and a range of luxurious fabrics. He outlined his process of inspiration for designs.

Principal Cathal Fitzgerald spoke about “how generous Don was with his time and commended the fact he spoke to many students and staff after the event.” He continued by saying, “it was such a joy to meet a sincere and motivating person.” He finished by saying, “the school is very proud of him and his success. We would like to thank Don for such a wonderful insight into an amazing talent. I wish him continued success in the future.”