March Shannon College of Hotel Management celebrates 2025 graduations

Graduates from five continents return to Ireland for conferring ceremony

University of Galway’s Shannon College of Hotel Management welcomed more than 70 graduates from around the world today for its 2025 graduation ceremony.

 Representing some of the top hospitality organisations on five continents, each graduate in attendance has already secured employment, continuing the College’s unbroken 100% employment record since its founding in 1951. 

 Graduates traveled from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, China, the US, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles and beyond, showcasing the global reach of Shannon College’s alumni network. This year’s graduates join an esteemed alumni network holding leadership positions in hospitality organisations worldwide, from Michelin-starred restaurants to five-star hotels and global tourism hubs.  

 The event also celebrated student excellence, with over €30,000 in scholarships and prizes awarded, including the prestigious Banfi Scholarship, valued at $10,000, jointly awarded to Grace O’Toole and Megan O’Sullivan for their dedication and active participation while studying at Shannon College. 

 Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway said: “On behalf of University of Galway and our colleagues in Shannon College of Hotel Management, we send a huge congratulations to the class of 2025. The celebrations they enjoy today are a testament to their determination and desire to succeed and achieve. This year’s graduates of Shannon College follow a long line of alumni with reputations for providing the best in hospitality management with careers around the world. We wish everyone graduating today a great success in the future – wherever their journey takes them.” 

 Delivering the keynote address, David Fitzgerald, General Manager of Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa and Patron of Shannon College, shared insights from a distinguished career in hospitality. His leadership spans decades, including overseeing operations at Tipperary and Cork racecourses as Director of Woodlands Catering since 2004 and serving on the Board of Original Irish Hotels.  
 
            Sharing advice with students, David Fitzgerald said: “Graduation is funny word; it signifies the end of the last five years of your life but more importantly, it signifies the beginning of a whole life of adventure – as much or a little as you want. Remember, wherever your adventures take you, ‘Bloom where you are planted’, as St Francis de Sales said.” 
 
           Adrian Sylver, Head of Shannon College of Hotel Management said: “We are immensely proud of the David Fitzgerald Class of 2020–2025 as they graduate from Shannon College of Hotel Management. Their journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and excellence, and today marks the beginning of an exciting global career path. With 100% employment secured, our graduates are now stepping into leadership roles in world-renowned hotels and hospitality businesses across continents—from Europe to North America, the Middle East to Asia. As they join our prestigious alumni network, they carry with them not only the skills and knowledge gained at Shannon but also a deep-rooted commitment to excellence that will shape the future of hospitality worldwide. We congratulate them on this incredible achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive on the global stage.” 

 Ends