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Southern Regional College students, friends and family gathered together for a night of celebration on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. The event covered all aspects of life at the College, from celebrating students’ academic successes, to sporting, fundraising and successes in regional and national competitions. A vast array of awards were presented to current and recent past students by Lee Campbell, Principal and CEO of Southern Regional College and Dr Thomas Moore, Chair of the Governing Body, Southern Regional College.
Employers had a voice in the awards, with a special category, the ‘Employers Choice Awards’ presented to four special students. These students excelled during their work placements and demonstrated exceptional growth, motivation and a willingness to learn.
Students from the Newry area receiving ‘Employers Choice Awards’ were:
Callum McElearney, a Level 2 Professional Chef Traineeship student, employed by Killeavy Castle who was awarded an Employer’s Choice Award. Callum’s achievements did not end there, as he also received recognition awards for his success as the Generation Chef Regional Winner for Rotary Ireland alongside students Danielle Grant and Leon Ruddy. Callum also successfully reached the finals of the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year 2025 challenge.
Emmet Osborne, a Level 3 Electrotechnical Apprenticeship student awarded an Employer Choice Award. Emmet was nominated by his employer Colin O’Connor Electrical who commented on his professionalism, teamwork and leadership qualities.
Other students receiving awards were: Holly McCaffery, an Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) foundation student addressed fellow students on her educational and professional journey to date working as a Technical Engineer at MJM Marine. In addition to her speech, Holly received a Student Recognition Award in recognition of her nomination for the Department of the Economy’s Apprenticeship Awards earlier this year.
Eimear Devlin was recognised as ‘Student of the Year’ within the Faculty of Professional Services, commended for her work ethic and interest in every activity in the College. Eimear was appointed class representative for the Business Administration level 2 Traineeship and showed exceptional dedication by volunteering weekly in the College’s Graduate Restaurant.
Nathan Maginn-Hillen who received a ‘Rising Star’ award within the Faculty of Building, Technology and Engineering. Nathan studies the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles Level 3 Apprenticeship at the College’s Greenbank campus, and having secured employment with Prentice BMW, was recognised as a valued member of the team.
Other well deserving students recognised at the event were: Gemma Hughes from Warrenpoint, an Applied Industrial Science - Chemical Foundation Degree student, in recognition of her determination and commitment to excel and develop in all areas.
Aaron Clifford from Warrenpoint, a Sports & Exercise Science Foundation Degree student, in recognition of his sportsmanship within the Higher Education Soccer Team.
Caolan McCartan from Newry, an Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) Level 5 Foundation Diploma student for his gold medal success in Industry 4.0 at WorldSkills UK.
Dylan O'Reilly and Dominik Piotrowski from Newry, and Eoin Gribben and Josh Morgan from Cabra, all local students who experienced success for their performance on the pitch in Gaelic competitions.
Clara Rose Cooney from Kilkeel, awarded the ‘Student of the Year’ within the Faculty of Health & Social Care.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “This event was an incredible celebration of our students’ achievements. It was a privilege to witness the passion, talent, and resilience that define our College. Whether those who celebrated with us on the evening are continuing their studies, entering the workforce, or pursuing new opportunities, I hope they left feeling inspired — not only by their own accomplishments, but by the success of their peers. I wish each and every one of them continued success”.
