Former Moyle Park student John shares valuable insights

PAST pupil and current CEO of leading dairy food exporter Ornua, John Jordan, shared his career experience with students at Moyle Park College in Clondalkin this week.

The school welcomed Mr Jordan back on Thursday, October 13, where he spoke to a group of sixth year students.

John has been with Ornua for over 20 years and became Chief Executive of the business in 2018. Ornua, Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products is the owner of the Kerrygold brand. Kerrygold is the first Irish food brand to have exceeded one billion euro in annual sales, and continues to experience growth in multiple major markets across the world.

Speaking to students, John discussed three key messages – the importance of happiness, hard work and personal honesty.

As well as speaking to current pupils, John had the opportunity to catch up with his former teachers, Brother Nicholas, and Terry Flanagan, who shared his own memories of a hard-working and dedicated student.

He was presented with a copy of the school’s Golden Jubillee YearBook and a selection of team photos from his time lining out in the Moyle Park colours, by Deputy Principals Diarmuid O’Dowd and Trevor Connolly.

Moyle Park College Maths teacher Suzanne Wylde with John Jordan

Answering questions on a broad range of topical issues from economic challenges to societal change, John shared valuable insights with the students from his perspective of being at the forefront of a leading global business.

Suzanne Wylde, Maths Teacher, who co-ordinated the visit, said the students could “easily have stayed another hour, such was their engagement and enthusiasm with their guest speaker”.

The session concluded with a Q&A in which students sought insight on further education options and graduate programmes, while John highlighted the importance of “finding something you love doing and working hard for self-satisfaction”.

Suzanne said: “Our students were left with plenty of food for thought. John spoke about the importance of sharing your worries with others you trust and being open to regular self-reflection, which is advice the students felt will go a long way. We’re delighted John could share his time with us and hope he enjoyed his visit back to Moyle Park College.”