Tom, 82, picks up degree to become WIT's oldest undergrad graduate

Collecting a BA in English and Irish, he is WIT's oldest graduate, and possibly Ireland’s oldest full-time undergraduate.

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but don't tell that to Tom Boyle.

Tom graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology at the age of 82 today.

Collecting a BA in English and Irish, he is WIT's oldest undergrad graduate, and possibly Ireland’s oldest full-time undergraduate.

The student travelled to college each day from Ramsgrange, Co Wexford and started out in Law before moving to Arts.

Speaking prior to the graduation, he said his only regret is he didn’t return to college sooner.

He added that his seven children and his wife Phyllis were due to attend the ceremony with him.

Tom said without support from Phyllis, he couldn't have done it.

"She took charge of everything. She was absolutely marvellous," said Tom.

"Now, we're married 53 years, so she knows me fairly well."

Between Wednesday 30 October and Friday, 1 November 2019, 12 conferring ceremonies will take place on WIT’s College Street Campus.

WIT will see 2,457 graduates conferred with academic awards up to doctorate level.