Birthday celebrations were held at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) today for one of its students, 79-year-old Tom Boyle.
From Ramsgrange, Co Wexford, Mr Boyle is in his first of a three-year law degree.
His wife Phyllis said that he always wanted to go back to college. She said she told him to "follow what you want to do. I always support him with what he wants to do. He really is living the dream."
Following his celebration at WIT, Mr Boyle said: "I’m a bit emotional, the kindness is overwhelming. From the first day, everyone has been so welcoming. The WIT staff and lecturers are fantastic."
Prior to beginning his studies at the college, Mr Boyle worked as a taxi driver for over 20 years. Between 1955 and 1956 he studied Horticulture at Johnstown Castle, Co Wicklow, and was the chairman of the Ramsgrange Horticulture Society for three years.
Deirdre Adams, who works as a course leader at the college’s law faculty, organised the birthday celebration and described Mr Boyle as an "inspiration".
She said: "He had the imagination to come to college in his late 70s and had the courage to do so. We may be the lecturers but we also learn so much from Tom."
