All About Cork: Food business could serve up perfect course for MTU

Fri, 13 Dec, 2024 - 07:03

Breda Graham

Students thinking of studying at Munster Technological University (MTU) Bishopstown Campus in the coming years now have a new food-related option.

The MTU Bishopstown Campus has announced a new course for the academic year 2025/2026 to address the growing demands of the food business sector.

The BSc (Honours) in Food Business led by Dr Noel Murray, Head of Department of Tourism and Hospitality, aims to integrate business with the dynamic world of food production and management.

The four-year Level 8 programme allows students to develop an extensive range of practical and critical thinking skills in the areas of food studies, food science, business and the entire product development cycle.

All aspects of the programme are linked to the food industry and through a blend of academic and practical learning, students will gain valuable insights into the food industry’s supply chains, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices, positioning them for leadership roles in the global food business landscape.

Subjects will cover food science and business and are underpinned by sustainability, new and future technology, analytics, management, and leadership.

Graduates will become leaders in the food business, having experienced solving real-world matters and meeting industry leaders.

A BSc (Honours) in Digital Health and Informatics for Healthcare programme has also been announced for MTU Kerry North Campus and will be led by Fiona O’Flynn, Head of Department of International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programmes at the Kerry campus.

Commenting on the new courses, MTU President Maggie Cusack said: “MTU is proud to offer these two brand new courses for the upcoming academic year. We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of students to these programmes in September 2025.

“The new courses will help graduates prepare to lead and succeed in a competitive global environment. As the first deadline for CAO approaches on January 25, we encourage prospective students to review the courses’ programmes in detail and consider Munster Technological University as their first choice.”

Marymount volunteers

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice paid tribute to its “incredible volunteers” on International Volunteers Day.

International Volunteers Day falls on December 5 and recognises those who give their time voluntarily to help others.

Celebrating its volunteers, Marymount took to social media to thank them.

“Today, we celebrate the incredible volunteers who make Marymount Hospice such a special place,” the post read.

“Your kindness, dedication, and generosity of spirit brighten the lives of so many, bringing comfort, hope, and joy to our community.

“To each and every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and heart - thank you. Whether you’re sharing a skill, or simply lending a listening ear, your impact is profound.”

Street lights need to be repaired

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Centra, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has called for street lights in Wilton to be repaired.

The TD raised concerns about the street lights on Sarsfield Road, which he said have been out for a number of weeks now.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said locals have complained about the lights and called for them to be repaired urgently.

“I have contacted the council about this a number of times in order to get them repaired as a matter of urgency.

The council has informed me that their contractor, Electric Skyline, was on site last week undertaking works. Due to the breakdown in an underground cable and a new customer supply pillar has to be installed,” he said.

“Electric Skyline’s work is now complete, and we need ESB Networks to come and complete the connection works.

“I will be following up on this again in order to finally get this resolved.”

Twins celebrate academic performance at MTU

Cork twins Jessica and Laura Holmes were recently celebrated for their academic performance at the annual Faculty of Engineering & Science Awards at Munster Technological University (MTU) Bishopstown Campus.

The sisters, who graduated earlier this year, achieved the highest grades in their respective programs within the Department of Biological Sciences at MTU. Jessica earned a BSc Honours in Biomedical Science (joint program with UCC), while Laura graduated with a BSc Honours in Nutrition and Health Science.

Their academic performance was celebrated during the awards ceremony, where they were presented with framed recognition pieces by industry sponsors.

Laura and Jessica Holmes were honoured for achieving the highest grades in their respective programmes at the MTU Faculty of Engineering and Science Awards 2024. Picture: Joleen Cronin

The event was attended by high-achieving students from across the faculty of engineering and science, along with family, sponsors, and faculty members who have supported the twins throughout their studies.

Since graduating, Jessica has applied her expertise at Cork University Hospital (CUH), while Laura has begun an exciting career in quality control at PepsiCo in Little Island.

Reflecting on their achievements, they said: “We’re incredibly honoured to have received the top grades in our courses. It’s a testament to our hard work and dedication. Starting our studies during the pandemic in 2020 brought many challenges, but once we could attend classes in person, it made all the difference.

“Having each other’s support over the past four years was invaluable.”

Dr Brigid Lucey, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at MTU, said: “Jessica and Laura’s achievements are truly exceptional and serve as an inspiration to others. They embody the excellence we strive to foster at MTU, and their success is a direct result of their hard work and perseverance.”

Take part in Christmas swim

People are being encouraged to take part in the 49th Broadstrand Christmas swim in aid of Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity.

The annual swim organised by Courtmacsherry Development Association will see participants take to the water at 12pm on Christmas Day. The association has put out a call for people to get involved but said that those who cannot join on the day can participate at a location near them any time over the Christmas period and donate using the dedicated iDonate fundraising page. All proceeds again this year go to the Children’s Cystic Fibrosis unit at CUH and COPE Clonakilty.

Santa at shopping centre

Wilton Shopping Centre is reminding people that Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule and will be at the shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas. Santa will be available for visits right up to Christmas Eve and no booking is required. Visiting times are: