Title
Tommy Cooke, Head of the Community Links Programme, Dublin Institute of Technology
Files
Publisher
Dublin Institute of Technology
Description
Glasnevin in Dublin is the birthplace of Tommy Cooke. He attended St. Vincent’s during his secondary level years, and later was employed at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at UCD. In 1971 he also undertook a part-time course in Kevin Street to train as a science laboratory technician, and in 1982 he was offered a full-time lectureship in clinical biochemistry at Kevin Street. He discusses the development of the course, and recalls bringing students from the schools in the Liberties into Kevin Street to arouse in them an interest in further education. He discusses his time spent in Lesotho under an initiative by the Irish Government as part of the Biomedical Work programme. He also discusses the setting up of a new school for disadvantaged students in Mountjoy Square of which he was the instigator in 1996, marking a total change of career direction. This was the origin of the Community Links Programme, which was strongly supported by the late Principal Michael O’Donnell of Bolton Street.
Publication Date
2010-01-01
Keywords
audio, interviews, educationalists, third level, Ireland
