FORMER world boxing champ Bernard Dunne has graduated with a Masters from University of Limerick.
The Dubliner has completed his course and has now graduated as a Master of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology.
He was among more than 700 students who attended the ceremony, the first since the pandemic from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education and Health Sciences and Science and Engineering.
Bernard said he “started the course a number of years ago and absolutely loved it because I was already working in the area.
“I had no grey hair before I started this course and look at me now.”
Speaking of the Masters, he said: “I loved it – it helped frame and gave me tools to use immediately with athletes, with coaches, with management, so that gave me instant tools that were transferable into what I was doing.
“I get asked to work with a lot of teams as performance coach and now I actually have a piece of paper which says I can do it. It is an amazing thing to have, my wife and my daughter are here and we are having a family day today – and it is just such a big occasion to graduate with a masters.”
Speaking to graduates during the ceremony, UL President Professor Kerstin Mey congratulated the students for their success despite the challenges thrown up by COVID-19.
She said: “Your journey through education has been exciting, challenging and indeed not without a great deal of effort and commitment, but today you are celebrating the fact that you have excelled academically and all while we faced some of the darkest and most challenging days in recent history.
“Succeeding in the face of the COVID-19 cannot be underestimated as it shows tenacity, focus and strength of character for each and every one of you to be graduating here today.
“Be proud of your accomplishment. I am sure, your family, your friends, your tutors and your peers share in that pride.”
