It’s 2026 CAO results day. This article profiles a wide array of accomplished entrepreneurs, creators, and broadcasters who jump-started their careers through further education colleges across the country. I wrote it because I wanted to prove that you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do leaving school to be successful. Parents also put a lot of pressure on their children to go to the top universities in Ireland to be successful. All of the people profiled show that going to a college of further education can set you up for a very successful career. The smaller class sizes, continuous assessments, and access to lecturers and college resources can really benefit certain people.
Some of those highlighted include industry pioneers from renowned animation studios like Brown Bag Films, Boulder Media, and JAM Media who honed their craft at institutions such as Ballyfermot College of Further Education. The piece also celebrates leading voices in journalism, public relations, and broadcasting, including prominent figures associated with Rathmines College of Further Education and Colaiste Dhulaigh, who navigated successful paths into national media. Furthermore, it showcases standout innovators across diverse sectors, such as fine dining, fashion design, digital marketing, and business strategy, who gained their early technical ground through further education providers like Crumlin College, BIFE, and BFEI. Ultimately, the collection underscores the powerful impact of further education in bridging academic instruction with high-profile professional achievements, proving that vocational pathways frequently serve as vital springboards for major creative and commercial enterprises.
Here is a video summary of the information
Kendra Becker is a prominent Irish journalist, editor, and communications specialist. Laying the groundwork for her career, she completed her studies at Rathmines College of Further Education, studying Creative Media Production, where she gained foundational training in media and journalism before stepping into the industry. Over the years, Kendra has built a powerful reputation in Irish entertainment and public relations. She rose to widespread prominence as the editor of the influential digital entertainment platform Goss.ie, where she spearheaded major pop culture coverage and celebrity news. In addition to her editorial success, she co-hosted the popular Gosscast, establishing a strong personal brand in podcasting and digital broadcasting.
Kendra moved into the public relations sector. Her deep understanding of editorial mechanics, press relations, and digital content strategy has made her a sought-after PR expert. .
Today, she works with Goss.ie as an editor, working closely with prominent brands and personalities, helping them navigate media landscapes, manage public image, and craft compelling promotional campaigns
College: Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Expertise: He is an award-winning animator, director and illustrator.
Paul developed his foundational creative skills at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, an institution widely celebrated for nurturing Ireland’s animation and design talent. This specialised learning environment provided him with the essential technical training, artistic discipline, and practical grounding required to navigate the competitive creative sector. By engaging directly with hands-on coursework and collaborative projects during his studies, he successfully bridged the gap between academic instruction and the realities of professional production. This early immersion allowed him to transition seamlessly from a dedicated student into a capable practitioner ready to tackle complex visual storytelling.
Throughout his professional journey, Bolger has earned numerous awards and widespread media attention for his contributions to independent film, animation, and illustration. Some of the animations that he has been involved in include high-profile international studio credits such as directing Happily N’Ever After, storyboarding for Aardman Animation on Arthur Christmas and Shaun the Sheep, and production design on Riverdance, as well as his professional standing as a member of bodies like the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland. Paul also won Best Animation at the Underground Cinema Festival in 2011 for his short film Hamster Heaven
Brown Bag Films Founders – Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O’Connell
College: Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Expertise: Founders, directors, and producers of Brown Bag Films
Two more Ballyfermot College of Further Education graduates are among Ireland’s most successful graduates of the College of Further Education. Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O’Connell began their journey in the animation sector as college classmates before choosing to leave their formal studies behind in 1994 to establish Brown Bag Films with a modest loan. Operating initially as a small two-person team in Dublin, they channelled their rigorous training and hands-on artistic dedication into building a studio from the ground up. By focusing on a vision for commercial children’s programming, they laid the groundwork for a company that would eventually expand into international production hubs across Dublin, Toronto, and Bali. According to its website in 2024, “From its humble beginnings in Dublin to becoming a global studio with over 1,000 team members, the milestone marked a proud moment in the studio’s journey. The year also brought strategic growth, as we became part of the Scholastic family!”
Throughout their professional journey, the founders have earned multiple Academy Award nominations (including nods for Give Up Yer Aul Sins and Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty), an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, and the Murakami Award at the Dingle Animation Festival.
Their work has received extensive global media attention and critical praise, propelling hit series such as Octonauts, Olivia, and Doc McStuffins onto major international broadcasters and streaming networks. In addition to these prestigious accolades, Gaffney and O’Connell have been profiled across numerous industry publications, trade platforms, and national media outlets like RTÉ for their profound economic and creative impact on the Irish creative sector.
Claire Byrne began her academic journey at UCD studying Politics, Sociology and Social Science. After a near-death experience with meningitis, she was given the last rites before she bounced back, so she chose to continue to pursue professional journalism at Rathmines College of Further Education, believing the continuous assessments would be better for her than exam-based courses, which would take a lot of her energy post-meningitis. By transitioning directly from her studies into regional radio and newsroom environments, she quickly bridged the gap between academic theory and the daily realities of working media production. This early immersion in live journalism was instrumental in shaping her professional trajectory, enabling her to move swiftly from local broadcasting into prominent national and international reporting roles.
Throughout her career, Byrne has earned widespread media attention, prominent profiles across national press outlets, and status as one of Ireland’s most recognisable broadcasters.
Her work has frequently been front and centre in major national conversations, anchoring influential flagship programmes such as RTÉ’s Prime Time, her self-titled television current affairs show Claire Byrne Live, and high-profile radio slots on RTE 1, before joining Newstalk. Beyond her regular presenting roles, she has continuously drawn extensive critical review and public commentary for her composure during major national events, high-stakes political debates, and comprehensive election coverage. Claire Byrne was awarded Silver in the Speech Broadcaster of the Year – Full Service category at the IMRO Radio Awards in 2025. Additionally, her radio programme Today with Claire Byrne won Gold in the News Story / News Event category in 2022 for reporter Brian O’Connell’s coverage of “The Adam Terry Story”
Graduating from Crumlin College of Further Education, he was equipped with the practical grounding required to excel within the high-pressure fine dining sector. By combining continuous assessments with direct kitchen preparation, he then went on to put into practice what he learned in college in the fast-paced demands of professional hospitality. This early immersion allowed him to transition seamlessly from a dedicated culinary student into a skilled practitioner ready to compete at the highest levels of the industry.
Throughout his career, James has achieved significant international recognition, most notably winning the prestigious Roux Scholarship in 1992. This major milestone propelled him into elite European kitchens, allowing him to train under world-renowned chefs and refine his classical techniques at Georges Blanc in France. In addition to this accolade, he has continued to impact the culinary sector through professional practice, mentorship, and education as a senior lecturer at TU Dublin, contributing to the development of upcoming kitchen talent and upholding high standards of modern gastronomy.
College: Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Expertise: Creative director, animator, and founder of Boulder Media
Another Ballyfermot College of Further Education graduate, Robert credits the college with providing him with the core artistic discipline, design training, and practical grounding needed to enter the professional sector. By combining hands-on technical instruction with collaborative studio exercises, he successfully bridged the gap between student learning and the demands of commercial media production. This set him up perfectly for the world of creating animations from scratch to being an industry pioneer.
Throughout his professional career, Robert has received multiple prestigious accolades and widespread industry recognition for his leadership and creative output. His major professional milestones include an Emmy nomination for his directing work, winning Best Animated Short at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2015 for Fresh Cut Grass (which was also longlisted for an Academy Award), and receiving the Murakami Award at Animation Dingle in 2021 for significant achievement in the field of animation. Alongside these honours, he has directed and supervised high-profile international series and films, such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, The Amazing World of Gumball, the CBBC Danger Mouse reboot, and the feature film My Little Pony: A New Generation, cementing his enduring impact on the global animation industry.
College: Rathmines College of Further Education
Expertise: Search Engine Optimisation
Luke Fitzgerald is a Dublin-based digital marketing consultant and the founder of RightFitz Consulting. He did a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business and Marketing, followed by a Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business Management from the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT), where he graduated in 2009. He furthered his academic credentials by completing a Master of Science (MSc) in International Business at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Beyond his consultancy work, Fitzgerald is a recognised voice in the digital marketing industry. He has been featured in several prominent industry publications, including Search Engine Land, The Next Web, Power Retail, and ThinkBusiness.ie, where he has shared his expertise on SEO, content strategy, and analytics. He is frequently cited by professional platforms like Databox as an expert consultant, often providing actionable insights on performance tracking and goal-setting frameworks such as OKRs.
Founders of JAM Media (John Rice, Alan Shannon, and Mark Cumberton)
College: Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Expertise: Founders, producers, and directors of JAM Media
Three more graduates of the college were John Rice, Alan Shannon, and Mark Cumberton, who developed their core creative foundations at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, an institution central to training generations of Irish animators. Immersed in a specialised vocational environment, they acquired vital technical skills in drawing, storytelling, and production discipline. This early education provided them with a comprehensive understanding of visual arts and contemporary studio pipelines, empowering them to transition smoothly from students into skilled professionals ready to collaborate with major global entertainment companies.
Following years of valuable individual industry experience, including work with international powerhouses like Walt Disney Feature Animation and Don Bluth Studios, the trio founded JAM Media in Dublin in 2002.
Under their leadership, the studio has grown into a major multi-award-winning creator and producer of original children’s and preschool entertainment with thriving operations in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. Their flagship series, such as the BAFTA-winning hybrid show Roy, Becca’s Bunch, PICME, and the critically acclaimed animated feature A Greyhound of a Girl, have received widespread global broadcast distribution across more than 100 territories, alongside top industry honours including Royal Television Society awards and Irish Animation Awards.
College: Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education
Expertise: Actress, writer, and author
Jade Jordan began her formal performance education with a theatre studies course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education, which laid the solid groundwork for her professional artistic training. Following this initial vocational grounding, she moved to London to attend drama school before returning home to Ireland to refine her advanced screen techniques at Dublin’s prestigious Bow Street Academy. This rigorous multi-stage training allowed her to transition effectively from foundational student theatre into demanding professional stage and screen production environments.
Throughout her thriving career, Jada has built a prolific profile across Irish and international media landscapes. She has performed on stage with prominent theatre companies like the Abbey Theatre and Druid Theatre, and established a commanding screen presence with television roles in Blackshore, Northern Lights, The Catch, Kin, The Virtues, and Redemption, alongside notable film appearances in Rosie and You Are Not My Mother.
In addition to her extensive acting work, she wrote and produced the IFTA-nominated short film The Colour Between and published her powerful debut memoir, Nanny, Ma and Me, which details three generations of her family’s experiences as Black Irish women navigating society.
Andrew Kavanagh – Kavaleer Productions
College: Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Expertise: Award-winning animation producer, writer, and CEO of Kavaleer Productions
Andrew Kavanagh developed his creative foundation through formal visual arts and design education, acquiring the core artistic training and production discipline needed to enter the commercial media industry. This early preparation provided him with a comprehensive understanding of animation pipelines and storytelling techniques, empowering him to go from an emerging artist into a capable studio leader ready to collaborate with major international broadcasting networks.
Following valuable industry experience, Kavanagh founded Kavaleer Productions in Dublin in 2001. Under his executive leadership and creative direction, the studio has grown into one of Ireland’s most successful independent animation companies, specialising in original children’s and preschool entertainment. His prominent series, such as Alisa Knows What to Do!, Kiva Can Do!, Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, Pablo, and Bad Dinosaurs, have achieved widespread international broadcast distribution across more than 160 territories. Furthermore, his work has gained extensive critical acclaim and top industry accolades, including multiple Irish Animation Awards, international festival selections, and prestigious Emmy nominations.
Oliver Keane built his initial creative foundation through formal visual arts education at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa and the University of Brighton, acquiring essential technical skills in drawing, design, and studio production. This early preparation provided him with a comprehensive understanding of animation pipelines and visual aesthetics, empowering him to transition smoothly into a capable industry professional ready to collaborate with established production houses. For the past 3 years, I’ve been running his own animation studio, ROXBOX. With Clients such as The WNBA, Spotify, Red Bull, and others
Throughout his career, Oiliver has contributed his talents to various prominent animated projects and studio environments within the thriving Irish creative sector. Notably, his acclaimed motion design work on the Beavertown – Gamma Ray animation project earned him a prestigious Creativepool Annual Award in the Animation (People’s Choice: Individual) category. His daily work involves close collaboration with fellow artists, directors, and producers to bring imaginative characters and compelling narratives to life for broadcast and digital platforms, supporting the high standards of production quality associated with Ireland’s growing animation industry.
A graduate of Coláiste Dhúlaigh, Sonya is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and social entrepreneur who founded Work Equal and LIFT Ireland. Her lifestyle brand, Lennon Courtney, is in a retail partnership with Kilkenny Design. Sonya is also a high-profile advocate for equitable workplaces and women’s empowerment. Sonya has been working to reframe social attitudes to retirement and ageing from an economic burden to a societal opportunity. This has culminated in the launch of The Centre for Successful Retirement, which delivers a framework for whole-of-human reflection, assessment, and planning for a rich and fulfilling post-retirement life. It also fosters a community of valuable, experienced people who want to continue contributing to society. Sonya lobbies for equitable workplaces at the European level to drive policy change.
She was recently called as an expert witness to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on gender equity. Sonya recently completed a Master’s in Business Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at IADT and has just received first-class honours in a PgD in non-executive directorship with The Financial Times in London. Sonya is a member of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce board and chairs the Labour Taskforce.
Anthony O’Brien Bedford is Founder & Managing Director of Conjure Communications, an independent Irish PR agency based in Dublin. The agency recently celebrated 5 years in business and works with a variety of brands such as Thérapie Clinic, Teeling Whiskey, Gourmet Food Parlour and many more.
Anthony gained a degree in Business in IADT Dun Laoghaire before going on to do a specialised course in Public Relations at Rathmines CFE. The Rathmines course was the launching pad for his career in PR, equipping him with the skills needed to achieve success in the industry. Over the years, Anthony worked for a variety of PR agencies, honing his skill set before launching his own business in 2021. Not only was the course in Rathmines invaluable from a career perspective, but Anthony also made lifelong friends during his time in Rathmines CFE.
In the years since he attended Rathmines CFE, Anthony has gone on to grow his business, work with some of Ireland’s leading brands and manage multiple award-winning PR campaigns. For further information about Conjure Communications
In the years since he attended Rathmines CFE, Anthony has gone on to grow his business, work with some of Ireland’s leading brands and manage multiple award-winning PR campaigns. For further information about Conjure Communications
College: Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE)
Expertise: Fashion Designer and Creative Director
Fiona O’Neill is an acclaimed international fashion designer and creative director renowned for her distinctive approach to hand-painted textiles, optical illusions, and surrealist womenswear. Operating her eponymous London-based label, she merges fine art methodologies with garment construction, frequently utilising screen printing, ceramic elements, and freehand painting directly onto bespoke fabrics to challenge traditional silhouettes and proportions.
Her innovative design vision has earned her major industry accolades, including recognition from international talent platforms and features in prominent global exhibitions. By prioritising sustainable sourcing practices and integrating eco-friendly materials into her creative workflow, she continues to push the boundaries of conceptual art and contemporary ready-to-wear fashion. Her ability to seamlessly translate abstract artistic concepts into wearable, high-end garments has captured the attention of top-tier critics and fashion houses alike, marking her as a visionary creator shaping the future of global style.
College: Blackrock Further Education Institute
Expertise: Business Strategy and Marketing
Returning to education at Blackrock College Further Education Institute marked the beginning of a completely new chapter in my professional life. After years away from formal study, stepping back into the classroom was both exciting and daunting, but it gave me the confidence to invest in myself again. The practical, hands-on learning environment helped me develop new digital and design skills while reminding me that experience and curiosity are just as valuable as youth. More importantly, it showed me that it is never too late to change direction, learn something new, and create opportunities that previously felt out of reach.
The skills and confidence I gained at BFEI became the foundation for everything that followed. They opened the door to further study, continuous professional development, and ultimately the launch of my own business, Designs for Growth, a brand strategy and design practice that helps established businesses reposition themselves for growth. Looking back, returning to college was about far more than gaining a qualification. It was the first step in rebuilding my career, proving to myself that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Without that decision to upskill, I would never have had the knowledge, confidence, or belief to become an entrepreneur.
College: Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI)
Expertise: Skin expert, Author, and Entrepreneur
Jennifer Rock is a prominent skin health expert, multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and bestselling author widely recognised as The Skin Nerd. She has built a comprehensive educational and product-driven empire focused on simplifying skincare science for the general public. Through her consultancy platforms, skin academy, and specialised product lines, she has transformed how consumers approach cosmetic science, emphasising transparency, professional skin coaching, and evidence-based routines rather than chasing transient beauty trends.
She regularly contributes to national media outlets, writes expert columns, and mentors aspiring beauty professionals. Her commitment to demystifying dermatology has earned her widespread acclaim across the wellness and retail sectors, positioning her brand as a leading authority in modern skin health management and consumer advocacy throughout Ireland and beyond. Her dedication to client empowerment and rigorous scientific standards continues to inspire a massive community of devoted followers, cementing her lasting legacy within the contemporary health and beauty industry.
Lottie Ryan is a prominent Irish radio and television presenter best known for her extensive work with RTÉ. She is the eldest daughter of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan. Choosing to carve out her own path in the media industry, she pursued formal education by studying media and television for five years, attending Coláiste Dhúlaigh in Coolock and Griffith College in Dublin. Following her time in college, she relocated to New York City, where she gained foundational production experience working as a runner on the CBS legal drama series The Good Wife.
Over the years, Lottie has cemented her presence across Irish media through various roles.
She has served as a showbiz and entertainment reporter, contributed to RTÉ 2FM programs including Breakfast Republic, and showcased her performance versatility by winning the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars Ireland in 2020. In addition to her broadcasting duties, she has expanded into digital media and podcasting, co-hosting popular shows such as Jen & Lottie Do Parenting with Jennifer Zamparelli and No One Else Will Listen with her sister Bonnie.
Keith Walsh is a well-known Irish broadcaster, writer, and comedian with extensive experience spanning national radio and television networks. Having established himself as a prominent fixture across various popular stations, he is widely recognised for his engaging on-air presence, sharp wit, and long-standing role co-hosting high-profile breakfast radio programming on RTÉ 2fm.
In addition to his success behind the microphone, he is an accomplished live MC and writer, earning critical recognition for both his commercial scriptwriting and broadcast work. He is also a passionate mental health advocate and public speaker, frequently using his media platform to open up discussions around male mental health and wellbeing in Ireland. Through candid public speaking engagements, theatrical stage shows, and honest media contributions, he continues to destigmatise mental health struggles, inspiring audiences nationwide while maintaining a vibrant and enduring career in Irish entertainment and broadcasting.