Tom Rigney (b. 1942), former head of Business Studies Department and head of School (part 2)

The initial section of this recording relates to a lengthy interview with Dr Patrick Hillery which Tom Rigney recorded in 2000. Dr Hillery was Minister for Education from 1959–1965, a most important period in Ireland’s educational life. In 1965 Tom had been awarded First Prize in a national competition in Advanced Economics, and the prize was presented to him by Dr Hillery. This was his first encounter with the Minister whom he years later went to great lengths to record. Tom Rigney’s career was very busy and very productive. He recalls his time in Waterford RTC and his role in the introduction of a computer module on all third level courses in the College. He worked as an external examiner and attended many examination board meetings around the country, which gave him a great insight into individual people and their potential. He sat on the board of the Synod of the Open University, which afforded a brilliant opportunity for the promotion of innovative thinking and real progress in the field of education. He discusses his tenure as Head of the Department of Business Studies and also Head of School, and recalls the many challenges and obstacles along the way, and his many achievements and contributions to Business Studies at CIT.