Daragh Connolly – BA (Hons) in Accounting

Name: Daragh Connolly

School: Summerhill College, Sligo

Current Role: Trainee Accountant at Gilroy Gannon

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course
My name is Daragh Connolly, I’m 20 years of age and from Collooney, Co.Sligo. I went to school at Summerhill College, Sligo. I chose accounting as I particularly enjoyed doing accounting in school in general. I also was pretty good at mental math and business subjects in general, so I felt accounting was the right path for me.

Why did you choose ATU Sligo?
I chose ATU Sligo for a few reasons. The locality of the college meant I didn’t have to move away and rent student accommodation elsewhere. I also knew a few people who were doing or had done the accounting course I wanted to do, and they all gave great reports about it. Also on the many trips, we made from the Summerhill to the campus of ATU Sligo between TY and open days, the facilities stood out to me. The smaller class sizes appealed to me as well compared to a university where lectures would be in a hall with 200 other people.

What advice would you give someone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo?
The small class sizes mean you get to know classmates better and you get to have interaction with your lecturer. This helps everyone connect and feel at home.

Do you like Sligo as a student town?
I’ll be honest, I get a bit bored of Sligo myself at times as I’ve grown up here for 20 years but someone coming from a different town, there’s loads to do and student nights out are good craic during the week.

What specifically about your course do you particularly enjoy?
As I mentioned earlier, the small class sizes are the best thing for me. I got to know all my classmates last year as well as all my lecturers. The fact that lecturers are very open to questions is very beneficial for everyone in the class

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course?
Go for it. If you enjoy accounting or even any business subject, then I think you’ll enjoy the BA in Accounting. As I’ve mentioned, if you’re struggling at any stage, every lecturer is very open to questions to help students. The 3-year honours degree is also a great incentive for someone to come out with an honours degree 1 year quicker than in other universities.

Tell us about your sporting career/success so far.
I’ve played golf since I was about 9 years old. My best achievements include finishing 3rd place at the Irish U14 Open Championships back in 2015, playing for Connacht 3 times at interprovincial championships and winning the U14 interprovincial championships with Connacht in 2015 winning all 3 of my matches. This remains the only time an underage team from Connacht has won an interprovincial championship since 2001. More recently, I’ve finished top 20 in both the Munster Boys U18 championship and Leinster Boys U18 Championship in 2019. Currently playing off a handicap of 2.

What is the best thing about sports and sports facilities at ATU Sligo?

The facilities are great. The gym in the Knocknarea Arena is a brilliant facility to avail of. For my course, it is on the campus but on a recreational level, the Astro pitch is great for playing football with friends.

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are the advantages of it?

It gave me confidence that my achievements of the past were recognised. It also gave me free gym membership in the Knocknarea Arena which was great.

Find out more about AU902 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting