Entrepreneurship Students at Coláiste Dhúlaigh launch “Paws for Ukraine” calendar

Two students from the Entrepreneurship Course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education have launched a charity calendar in aid of the Irish Blue Cross.

“Paws for Ukraine” was inspired by Ukranian student Mariia Koshyrenkova with the help of Entrepreneurship student Charlie Murphy.

The project is a curated selection of photographs that focuses on the beloved family pets that escaped war in Ukraine by coming to Ireland with their owners.

Mariia Koshyrenkova (CDCFE Entrepreneurship student), Patricia O’Brien Brennan (Principal of Coláiste Dhúlaigh), Sharon McIlvenna (Entrepreneurship course coordinator) and Councillor Larry O’Toole.

The calendar tells the story of some of the 600 families who found refuge in Ireland, and captures the unique bond between these families and their canine companions.

Entrepreneurship student Laura Moore with her son Sean Moore.

Proceeds from the calendar will go towards The Irish Blue Cross, an organization dedicated to providing essential veterinary care and support to pets in need.

The calendar costs €12 and details of how to purchase can be found at www.cdcfe.ie or on their Instagram page “Paws from Ukraine”.

BTEI coordinator Helen O’Mahony with Hairdressing tutor Kevin Cahill.

Officially launching the calendar at CDCFE’s Kilbarrack campus, Councillor Larry O’Toole congratulated Maria on a “marvellous piece of work” and commented that Irish society has been enriched by what he referred to as the future “Irish Ukranians”.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Mariia Koshyrenkova who developed the project, thanked Entrepreneurship tutor Sharon McIlvenna saying “without her it wouldn’t have happened”. She also thanked her fellow student Charlie Murphy who pushed her to do the project. She spoke about how she wanted to show the love that people have for their dogs with this calendar.

Agabaiel Fonlari with pet boxer Belle.

Entrepreneurship student Charlie Murphy photographs Aoife Dunne & Yorkshire Terrier Max.

Course coordinator Sharon McIlvenna said:  “We are immensely proud of these students from the Entrepreneurship course at CDCFE, which is part of the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). They showed creativity, passion and commitment in this project.

The course aims to nurture those qualities in our students who have a business idea”.

Sharon also thanked the calendar sponsors, K9 Connectables, Neworld and Baldoyle Print.

The BTEI Entrepreneurship programme at Coláiste Dhúlaigh is now in its fourth successful year, with many graduates having launched their own businesses.The course aims to educate students in how to navigate key aspects of business including development, marketing and financial planning. Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE are now taking applications for the 2024 academic year online at www.cdcfe.ie

Noreen O’Connolly Prey (Entrepreneurship tutor), Charlie Murphy (Entrepreneurship student and photographer), Laura Moore (Entrepreneurship student) & Sean Moore..