Louth man swaps hard hat for books - and became DkIT SU President

Not one to sit still for too long, Louth man Gerry is doing a great job of being active both inside and outside his role in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).

Having recently transitioned from the role of VP for Student Engagement to Students Union President, Gerry credits his life experience and the amazing support he received during his time in DkIT, studying Sports, Exercise and Enterprise as a mature student as the main motivations behind joining the Students’ Union. 

Completing his secondary education in the CBS, Dundalk, Gerry first joined DkIT in 1999 to study Civil Engineering. It was a short-lived experience, as two months in he discovered the course wasn’t the right fit for him. He trained as a plumber and then spent 20 years working in general construction. 

Having acquired a few trade-related injuries and seeing the toll the heavy manual labour was taking on his colleagues, Gerry began to explore some alternative options. These challenges led him to make one of the most significant decisions of his life, one that would change his future and career trajectory. His other life commitments could have deterred him from making the leap, but he was determined to make a positive change for his future and at 40 made the decision to come back to DkIT. 

Reflecting on his decision, Gerry said: “Going back was a huge step. I had a mortgage, a partner and six kids to think about. Not only did I have to consider getting myself through college, but I still had to pay the bills, it was a full-time commitment.” 

Having come through DkIT as an apprentice, and with the college being in close proximity to his home, Gerry knew that the Institute was the ideal place for him to finish his education. He began a Level 7 BA in Sport, Exercise and Enterprise and then opted to do an add on year to achieve a Level 8. 

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The Sports, Exercise and Enterprise course was the ideal combination of topics for Gerry as the broad nature of the course opens up multiple avenues and opportunities for graduates and allowed him to combine his love of sports and exercise with an in-depth understanding of business and exercise. 

He had to make sacrifices to stay on top of his coursework while working full-time hours five days a week. However, his energetic nature proved invaluable as he juggled three part-time jobs—security, relief staff at the local sports centre, and personal training—alongside his family commitments.

His return to education was further complicated by COVID-19, which hit during his first year and prevented him from having a typical college experience or properly meeting classmates. New to software like Word, Gerry initially relied on his kids for help. But with time, his skills improved so much that he admits “now the tables have turned and I’m the master of these things.”

There were many challenges: finding time to study, managing daily life, and prioritising his family. He admits, “Juggling everything was really hard. Particularly thinking of the kids as they are my priority.” Still, he remained determined to succeed.

Small class sizes made a big difference however—lecturers offered strong support and the environment helped Gerry form lasting friendships. He especially valued the sports aspect of the course for strengthening bonds with classmates. While many focus on the difficulties of returning to education, Gerry highlights the positives. His life experience gave him clarity on his goals and a deep appreciation for the opportunities ahead. “I was here for me, for what I needed to achieve, rather than just being here because I needed to be or felt I had to be,” he reflects.

Sharing his advice to anyone thinking of going back to education, he said: “Make sure you know what you want to do and understand what course you’re picking. Look at all the modules and do your research into your intended study.” He also advises considering things such as financial implications and how much time you are willing to dedicate to succeed. 

Graduating was no mean feat for Gerry but completing his course is something he takes great pride in. He credits the support at DkIT for helping him through some personal difficulties and for being the reason he ran for student council election. Following on from his role as VP for Student Engagement, a role he took to give back to the DkIT community for the support he received during his time as a student, Gerry decided to run for SU President as he felt that his job wasn’t complete. 

Reflecting on his time in the Students’ Union, Gerry says, “It’s brought me down paths I never thought it would, and I absolutely love helping students and seeing them thrive.” Now newly elected as SU President, he’s determined to make a lasting impact and encourage more students to engage in college life. As the student voice both within DkIT and nationally, he serves as a key point of contact, offering advice, guidance, and support.

Gerry isn’t done with DkIT or his education. Re-elected as SU President and eager to deepen his business knowledge, he proves that determination pays off.

“I’ve started some work that I need to finish on an institutional and student level. I’d also like to continue my education in the area of business—likely a part-time venture. Beyond that who knows. There’s no age limit on learning.”