Miriam Dempsey of Walsh Whiskey

Miriam Dempsey wished to do a Master's of Science in Supply Chain Management but feared she lacked the required entry qualifications.
Over the years her employer, Walsh Whiskey, has developed a strong relationship with Ashling Ward, Network Manager of Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, who advises them on training needs and opportunities. Ashling was able to advise Miriam that RPL could help her gain access to the master's course. As a result of this, Miriam approached SETU Carlow and they guided her through the RPL process. It involved a detailed reflection on all the skills and expertise she acquired over her years working in enterprise. The process revealed she had many of the learning outcomes required and with this confirmation, she secured entry to the master's.
Miriam approached the company and ourselves with this idea of doing a masters through the RPL programme. We thought this was just a wonderful opportunity because it allowed Miriam to step outside the business and learn from others and bring ideas back to the business.


(l-r) Sorcha Carthy, HEA, Miriam Dempsey, Walsh Whiskey, Grace Edge, RPL Project, and Veronica Campbell, SETU.


(l-r) Sorcha Carthy, HEA, Miriam Dempsey, Walsh Whiskey, Grace Edge, RPL Project, Frances O'Connell, TUS, and Veronica Campbell, SETU.


Suzanne Golden, RPL Project Lead (second from right) with colleagues of the University of Galway


Josephine Finn, Steering Group member for the RPL in Higher Education Project addressing attendees


(l-r) Jeanette Peoples, Optum, Grace Edge, RPL Project, Frances O'Connell, TUS, William Beausang, DFHERIS, Miriam Dempsey, Walsh Whiskey, Veronica Campbell, SETU, Claire McGee, Ibec, Irene Sheridan, MTU, Peter Cosgrove, Futurewise.

We produced an RPL for Enterprise booklet for an event we hosted in March 2023 that brought senior figures from third-level institutions, enterprise, policymakers and practitioners together to discuss the advantages and opportunities that RPL can deliver.