Five former students of the MTU campuses in both Tralee and Cork were presented with the 2025 MTU Alumni Awards at an event in Tralee last night.
Established in 2024, the Alumni Awards celebrate MTU graduates who have made outstanding contributions across a wide range of fields. The awards demonstrate the breadth and value of an MTU education, recognising alumni whose achievements inspire the University community and beyond.
MTU President Maggie Cusack said each of the recipients personified the values of the MTU and the awards recognised their achievements on a regional, national and global stage.
This year’s recipients were:
Rob Short, Retired Vice President, Windows Core Technology, Microsoft; Jason Hawkins Chief Executive, Carbery Group; Garry McCarthy, Songwriter, Producer and Rapper, Creative Director ‘The Kabin Studio’; Dónall O’Brien, Co-Founder EM3 and Aishling Moore, Head Chef and owner of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant ‘Goldie’ .
Each were praised for being leaders in their fields and inspiring others as thought leaders shaping their industries.
Chair of the MTU Governing body Jimmy Deenihan said the MTU has become a very powerful force in the South West, nationally and internationally. He said that the recipients of the awards had shown what is possible, and highlighted the MTU as being ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial.
