''The postgrad at KBS was a no-brainer for me''

Double Fitzgibbon Cup champion and senior Tipperary hurler Bryan O’Mara added another title to his name as he was conferred with an MSc in Financial Services from University of Limerick.

Bryan, from Holycross in County Tipperary, graduated from UL’s Kemmy Business School, joining more than 1,900 students – including 77 PhDs – being conferred this week as part of the University’s Winter Conferring Ceremonies.

The students will be conferred over three days with degrees from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Kemmy Business School.

An All-Ireland winner at minor and U-20 level, Bryan – who plays his club hurling with Holycross/Ballycahilll – also completed his undergraduate degree, the BSc in Financial Mathematics, in UL’s Kemmy Business School.

Now working as Data Scientist with Pfizer in Cork, Bryan described his experience at KBS as “phenomenal”.

“The postgrad at KBS was a no-brainer for me,” said Brian.

“The emphasis on modules such as Investment and Portfolio Management along with Machine Learning really drew me in.

“My experience on the course was brilliant. For anyone interested in career prospects in the funds/investment industry, it really improves your knowledge of the industry as well as giving the opportunity to learn from experts who are approachable and willing to help.”

While Bryan said his undergraduate work placement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) prepared him for the transition into the workplace, his hard work and dedication to both his club and UL undoubtedly fuelled his success on the pitch.

A former winner of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Star Hurling Player of the Year, Bryan is one of an elite group of athletes to boast a brace of Fitzgibbon Cup titles, having captained his team to victory in the 2022 and 2023 tournaments.

Reflecting on his cherished time at UL, Bryan said: “My favourite memory is probably getting a bus to Holycross the day after the [Fitzgibbon Cup] final in 2022! It probably wasn’t expected of us to win that year, so it was all the better.

“UL was brilliant throughout my time in college. The nature of college hurling means you’ll hurl with lads you would never get the chance to otherwise. It just makes for a brilliant experience, even if it’s only for a couple of months per academic year.”

The future is looking bright for Bryan, who – as dedicated as ever – was heading to training straight after his conferring ceremony!

Of his hopes and plans going forward, he said: “Please God, some success with club and county as well as progressing my career.”

Speaking during the conferring ceremony, UL President Professor Kerstin Mey said the latest batch of graduating students, who join an alumni body of over 125,000 worldwide, had “overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and triumphed through your academic pursuits at University of Limerick”.

“This is no mean feat. Many of you have juggled personal and family lives in the pursuit of an academic qualification linked to your careers and advancing them in the workplace.

“All of you have reached a point in your lives where your own sense of pride in completing this journey has reached a new height. 

“This ceremony is not just a recognition of your academic accomplishments, but a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the indomitable spirit that defines our university community.

“Your time here has been a continuous journey of intellectual growth, personal development, and the pursuit of knowledge.”