It’s never too late to learn

ANNIE MURPHY turned 74 earlier this month, but this active great-grandmother has a lot more learning to do.

After picking up a Diploma in Community and Youth Work at University College Cork yesterday, the Wexford woman has her heart set on doing the Leaving Cert.

“I’d love to continue on, now that I’ve come so far. I really surprised myself with how well I’ve done.”

The learning adventure began for Annie when she agreed, almost reluctantly, to do a course in community development almost two years ago. The suggestion was put to her by the Wexford Area Partnership, who were familiar with her years of work with young people in Wexford town.

The courses were part of UCC’s Adult Continuing Education outreach programme, with classes every Thursday night in Wexford.

Almost 700 people who completed courses in Cork and Kerry, Dublin, Ennis, Clonmel, Limerick and

Wexford received certificates and diplomas covering wide-ranging fields such as business, disability studies, archaeology, women’s studies and music yesterday.