Tyrone Man Studies for Degree Without Leaving His Local Community

For many students, going to university means leaving home, moving to a new city and stepping away from their local community. For Odhrán from Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone, it meant doing the opposite. 

Thanks to flexible study with The Open University, the 25-year-old was able to earn a BA in Business Management while continuing to live at home, work full-time and stay deeply involved in his local GAA club. 

“I wasn’t sure if brick university life would have been for me,” Odhrán explains. “I wanted to stay close to my friends and family and continue being part of my community. Being able to work, earn money and gain experience whilst studying seemed appealing.” 

After completing his GCSEs and A-Levels, Odhrán worked in customer service roles but always had a keen interest in business. He wanted to continue his education, but without having to move away from Tyrone. 

Studying with The Open University allowed him to do just that. 

“Being able to work while studying allowed me to gain valuable experience. Without this I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now.” 

Odhrán currently works in hospitality as a Front of House Team Member at The Brewers House in Donaghmore, where he has already been able to apply some of the skills he developed through his studies. 

But one of the most important aspects of staying local was being able to remain active in the community he grew up in. Odhrán is heavily involved in his local GAA club, Pomeroy Plunkett's GAC, and serves on the Club’s executive committee as Registrar, a role that requires regular commitment and organisation. 

“Being able to stay at home meant I could continue to be involved in my GAA club and my local community. I don’t think I would have been as involved if I had gone away to a traditional university.”  

Balancing work, volunteering and studying required careful planning. Odhrán’s study schedule often depended on his work shifts. 

“A typical study day might mean doing some work before my shift and then studying again when I finished. Sometimes assignments brought me into the early hours, but the quiet helped me focus.” 

Like many students juggling responsibilities, there were also difficult moments. During one stage of his studies, his grandmother passed away shortly before an assignment deadline. After reaching out to the university, he was granted an extension and additional support. 

“Student Support were very helpful and understanding. My tutors and the support team were always there when things came up that affected my ability to complete work on time.”  

Financially, the decision also made sense. Odhrán’s studies were funded through Student Finance NI, and the ability to continue working meant he could support himself while gaining valuable experience. 

“The cost of studying at the OU is significantly lower than that of a brick university. Compared to friends who studied at brick universities, my current student loan balance is a lot lower.” 

Now, having graduated at the Dublin degree ceremony in Croke Park, Odhrán reflects proudly on his journey.  

“It’s great to finally say that I have a degree. I believe my OU qualification is just as credible as one gained from a brick university.” 

For Odhrán, studying differently didn’t mean missing out. It meant gaining a degree while continuing to build his career and contribute to the community that matters most to him, in unconventional places and at unconventional times.