Luke O’Connor

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture

Connemara

I really enjoyed my time studying in ATU Connemara. I initially visited the campus in Letterfrack on the Easter open day of my Leaving Cert year. I found it helpful and as soon as I set foot on it, I knew this was the place for me.

In first year, the lecturers were great and eased us in to the course. We had lots of practical classes and covered all the basics of hand tool woodworking aswell as machinery basics. I lived in nearby student accommodation in first year and found it a great way to make friends along with joining the football team.

I also enjoyed getting involved in a five-a-side at the Astro turf pitch near the campus with friends when taking a break from assignments.

In third year, I did my work placement at Joseph Walsh Studio in Cork. This was an amazing experience assisting the makers in the workshop and with the installation of finished pieces.

During my final year I found we were really being prepared for industry, we did Project Management, CAD/CAM along with a Major Project. I feel very privileged to have received the James & Mary Ellis Award for Excellence in Making at the end of my final year based off a chair I had made along with commitment and character as a student in ATU Connemara.