Mixing business with pleasure

As Brian Hurley sits and waits in the IT Carlow canteen for a three o’clock lecture, he admits he’ll miss the place when he finishes up later this year.

There were easier degree options for him when he completed his level seven sports and exercise coaching course. None that would have entailed making a close to eight hour round drive every week for the last four years.

But none impressed him as much as the level eight business qualification he is currently seeking. Besides, he knew he would be in good hands in Carlow. Michael Dempsey, head of the college’s GAA academy and successful coach to Kilkenny hurlers, has been as helpful a mentor to him as the likes of Cahalane and Cleary in Castlehaven.