The late Vicky Phelan is honoured with ETB alumni award for her CervicalCheck campaign work, with former education editor Katherine Donnelly also among winners

Former ‘Irish Independent’ education editor Katherine Donnelly, RTÉ newsreader Ray Kennedy, and DDLETB adult educator Carolina Tavares Vintem at the ETB awards in Thomond Park, Limerick. Photo: Brian Arthur

Gareth Morgan

Former Irish Independent education editor Katherine Donnelly was among the recipients of awards at a special Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) event in Limerick.

Hosted by RTÉ newsreader and former ETB student Ray Kennedy, the ETB Alumni awards were presented to 17 former ETB learners who have achieved excellence in their chosen field.

The late CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan, athletes Sarah Lavin and Róisín Ní Riain, and ombudsman for ­children Dr Niall Muldoon were among the ETB alumni who were also honoured.

Vicky Phelan was recognised for her remarkable impact on women’s health in Ireland through her CervicalCheck campaigning.

Accepting the award on behalf of his late wife, Jim Phelan said: “It’s an honour to accept this award on behalf of Vicky today.

“As someone who placed an immense value on education throughout her life, and considered herself a ‘lifelong learner’, it’s touching that she is being acknowledged and remembered by Education and Training Boards Ireland and Kilkenny and Carlow ETB.”

ETB Bursaries were also presented at the Thomond Park event to exceptional current ETB learners to support future study, entrepreneurship or community activism.

Paddy Lavelle, chief executive of ETBI, said: “I congratulate all our winners on their achievements.

“Their stories show us the power in education, and how it can have a pivotal impact on your life’s path.”