Jimmy urges students to return to education

GAA manager Jim McGuinness is to give students an inspirational talk on the reasons for going back to school.

The Donegal All-Ireland-winning manager is to give the keynote address at the Donegal Vocational Education Committee adult learner fair on Friday.

The Glenties man, who left school early and went back at 23 to complete his Leaving Certificate, is to draw on his own experiences. After his Leaving Cert, McGuinness took a diploma in sports studies at Tralee IT.

He then went on to do a degree in Jordanstown in Belfast before completing a master’s in sports psychology at John Moores University in Liverpool.

McGuinness is expected to speak about his own education story, how he created success in his own career and for the Donegal team, and the steps people need to take to plan their own future.

Thousands of people looking for a fresh start in their lives are expected to attend the fair where McGuinness will be the star speaker.

More than 60 organisations offering education and training will be at the event.

Sean Deeney, of Donegal VEC, said they are delighted to have the GAA boss and Celtic FC coach as their guest speaker.

“We are really pleased to have Jim McGuinness speaking at the fair, not just because of his fantastic success with the Donegal GAA team but also because he started his own adult education journey with Donegal VEC.

“He’s someone who has been to adult education and has been incredibly successful, so there will be a lot of inspiration to take from his story,” said Mr Deeney.