Tara Finn (BSc 2015) is a graduate of UCC's Biological and Chemical Sciences degree programme and works at Cork Airport. She began her career as a retail assistant at the airport before earning her Commercial Pilot’s License and an MSc in Aviation Management from Portobello Institute. She now leads out on Business Development and Communications for the airport. Her journey through various roles has given her a deep understanding of the aviation industry and has led to a career that Tara has found incredible fulfillment in. 

From UCC Psychology to the PR spotlight!
Meet Cailean Coffey (BA ’19, MA ’20), who turned a passion for music journalism into a thriving career in music and events PR.
With a strong foundation in research, communication, and real-world experience gained during his time at UCC, Cailean now works behind the scenes on some of the biggest shows in the country.

Ailis Crowley is championing sustainability with her innovative business, FASH Forward. At the forefront of Ireland’s sustainability movement, FASH Forward is inspiring businesses to reimagine their role in a circular economy. By partnering with repair, upcycling, and zero-waste experts, Ailis delivers workshops that help businesses adopt sustainable practices and reduce waste.

As part of the Certificate in Social Citizenship with the id+ Project, Deirdre Lovett was one of 15 students in 2022/23 who completed a rewarding paid work placement. After a summer of hard work on her placement at The Kingsley, Deirdre went on to sign a permanent contract with the hotel. 

I studied dentistry, graduating in 1997. However, like most students, I had an insatiable curiosity for other subjects – and in the first two years on campus, occasionally attended other lectures – particularly Sociology, History, Politics and French … (shhhh – don’t tell the Fees Office!!!)

Nishi Bhopal MD is board certified in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. She graduated from the School of Medicine at UCC, completed her Psychiatric residency at Henry Ford Health System, and a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School. 

Tá Caitríona Ní Chonaill ina hOifigeach Ilmheán le hOireachtas na Gaeilge, eagraíocht a eagraíonn raon leathan imeachtaí cultúir, ealaíne, siamsa i rith na bliana, go háirithe Oireachtas na Samhna, ar siúl um Shamhain gach bliain.

Back on campus for the Golden Jubilee celebration on 7 June, we caught up with alumni Sean Canty (BComm ’74) and Cynthia Bruce Canty (JYA ‘74) who told us about their chance encounter in 1973 at a student house party, and how it unfolded into building a life together in the US.

1956’s Graduate of the Year, James ‘Jim’ Hyland, returned to campus, 60 years after graduating, to reflect on his time at college studying commerce. The visit was prompted by his daughter Judy (BComm ‘84), who at her recent class reunion, spotted her father’s name on a Roll of Honour in the Graduates’ Room in the North Wing of the Quad.

Cork native Laura Russell is a first officer with Aer Lingus, an aerobatic stunt pilot and a flight instructor. In 2023 she made history after becoming the first Irish woman to compete at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Las Vegas. We talk to Laura about ‘taking the scenic route’ in her flying career; a typical day as a pilot for Aer Lingus; and the many inspirational women she has met along the way.