School of Modern Languages

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Queen’s University Belfast
16 September 2011

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It’s a triple celebration for one Co. Antrim family today (Wednesday 6 June) as a trio of Irish-speaking sisters prepare to graduate from Queen’s.

Sorcha, Caoimhe and Ailbhe Niclochlainn, from Glenarm, will all graduate from Queen’s School of Languages, Literatures and Performing Arts, where they studied Irish and Celtic Studies - bringing to eight their family’s impressive tally of degrees from the University.

This will be Sorcha’s third graduation celebration at Queen’s. She will be awarded a PhD for her research into gaelic folksongs in Ireland and Scotland. Sorcha already has an undergraduate and a Masters degree from Queen’s.

Caoimhe will pick up her second Queen’s degree – a Masters in Irish and Celtic Studies, having graduated with a BA in Irish and Celtic Studies in 2009. She has now started her PhD studies at Queen’s, where she is researching Irish children’s literature.

Youngest sister Ailbhe will also join in the celebrations when she graduates with a BA in Irish and Celtic Studies with English.

The sisters will celebrate their graduation alongside their parents Marie and Brian, who are also Queen’s graduates. 

Sorcha said: “We were brought up in an Irish speaking household and wanted to pursue our interest in the Irish language through our University studies. The Irish and Celtic Studies courses at Queen’s have allowed us to fine tune our language skills while deepening our knowledge of Irish culture, history and society.

“This is the third time I will graduate from Queen’s, and while every graduation day is a special, graduating alongside Caoimhe and Ailbhe will make today one to remember for a long time to come.”

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