Derry family celebrates double graduation success at NWRC

A mother and daughter have shared an unforgettable moment graduating from North West Regional College (NWRC) together on the same day. 

Fionnuala and Cloídna Conway marked the special occasion together with family and friends at the Higher Education and Access Graduation Ceremony at the Millennium Forum. Mum Fionnuala graduated with a Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, while Cloídna completed a Higher National Diploma in Music Production. During the event Fionnuala was also presented with the Da Vinci’s special award for Outstanding Foundation Degree Hospitality Management student. 

And the family tradition is set to continue as daughter (and younger sister) Caíslín is currently a student at NWRC studying a Health course. 

“I am so proud of Cloídna,” said Fionnuala, “but when she was born, I never imagined that we’d be students together and end up at the same graduation ceremony.

“I did my GCSEs when I was younger and went to the Austins to do my NVQs. I worked in catering for many years, but I realised that if I wanted to get any further, I needed more qualifications. I started at NWRC with the Access Course in Combined Studies and then the Foundation degree.

Fionnuala Conway and Cloídna in days gone by.

"It wasn’t easy, studying and working at the same time. I used to start work at 6 a.m. so I could fit everything in. I’d be sitting at the kitchen table doing my assignments telling the girls to do their best and not be back doing it when they are older like me.”

Fionnuala says she barely knows what to do with herself now that she’s no longer a student.

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I made friends I never would have known if I hadn’t come to NWRC, friends that I’ll have for life. I would recommend it to everyone. It’s been a brilliant experience.”

Daughter Cloídna who turns 21 in a few weeks’ time is now studying Music at the University of West London – however returned to her hometown to celebrate graduation with mum Fionnuala and the rest of the family. 

“Cloídna’s having the best time over there in London,” said Fionnuala “but we were so delighted to have her back. She absolutely loved her time at NWRC, especially with the amazing facilities in the Music department.”

IN PICTURES: Hundreds of students honoured as NWRC celebrates Class of 2025

The ceremony in the Millennium Forum, hosted by BBC's Barra Best, celebrated the achievements of students who successfully completed a wide variety of courses

NWRC music student Bryony Hallford delivers inspiring Derry graduation speech

Bryony was awarded the Amelia Records Award for Outstanding Student in HND Music

Fionnuala and Cloídna were amongst almost 600 students acknowledged as Graduates from the College’s Class of 2025 in Art & Design, Business, Computing, Cyber Security, Built Environment, Engineering, Science, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Early Years, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Tourism, Sport, Media, Music, and Performing Arts.

During the event NWRC also officially announced the opening of applications for all Higher Education courses beginning in September 2026.  You can search the courses which can be studied part time and full time and apply online at www.nwrc.ac.uk/higher-education