The 2025 Mock Interviews Evening at St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar proved to be one of the most successful yet, offering Leaving Certificate students a valuable, confidence-building taste of real-world interview experience.
This annual event is coordinated by Rotarian Paul O’Grady, working closely with Sharon Geraghty, St. Gerald’s Careers Officer. Their organisation and enthusiasm have helped establish the Mock Interviews as a flagship event in the Rotary schools calendar.
A Valuable Experience for Over 50 Students
More than 50 Leaving Certificate students took part this year, each meeting a panel of three interviewers. The interview panels were made up of Rotarians and their friends.
Interviewers from diverse professional and business backgrounds contributed their many years of interview experience.
- Medical staff and healthcare professionals
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Business owners and technology-sector employers
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Representatives from the HSE, education and local government
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Hospitality, retail and lifestyle sectors
The range of expertise ensured that students received genuine, practical insights into the expectations of future employers and professional interview settings.
Students were guided through a set of structured interview questions and then received constructive, encouraging feedback from their interviewers. For many, this was their first time experiencing a formal interview, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Supporting Students for Future Success
After the interview, each student received:
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A Certificate for their CV portfolio
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A 24-tip Interview Skills Guide (created by Wrexham Rotary Club), packed with practical advice to help them prepare for future interviews
Both students and teachers highlighted how beneficial the evening was. Sharon Geraghty and her team were delighted with the event and the confidence it instilled in students.
A True Community Effort
This evening would not be possible without the support of the many volunteers who gave their time, experience, and encouragement to the students.
A huge thank you to:
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Rotarian Paul O’Grady
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Sharon Geraghty, St. Gerald’s Careers Officer and her teaching colleagues
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All Rotarians, new members, friends, and professionals who served on interview panels
Your involvement makes a real impact on the lives of young people in Castlebar.
Paul O’Grady organising the St. Gerald’s Mock Interviews with great skill and plenty of good humour.
