TCPID Graduate Dale O Neill receives a permanent contract with Falko

We are so happy to share a great news story. Our graduate Dale O'Neill has been offered a permanent contract with Falko.

We asked Dale to tell us about his time in Trinity College, his job in Falko and about what getting a permanent contract in Falko means to him.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Dale O’Neill, I am from Tullow, Co. Carlow. I have 1 brother and 1 sister and I have 3 nieces and 2 nephews. I went to Primary School in the Boys National School and went to Tullow Community School where I completed my Junior Certificate. I attended a Day Service in Tullow called the Cairdeas Centre. I am also a proud member of Carlow Special Olympics Club.

Can you tell me about your sports interests and in particular your recent Soccer Team Success?

Yes of course. I enjoy going to the gym but the main 2 sports I compete in they are athletics which I have qualified for the Leinster Games for Special Olympics and I also play soccer. So about my soccer back in May 2024 I got the great news that I was chosen to represent my Country in a big international Tournament in Reus in Spain putting on that jersey was one of the proudest moments of my life. We battled and we fought and a few heart stopping moments and come home with a Bronze Medal for our country.

Why did you decide to apply to come and study in Trinity College?

The main reason I applied to Trinity is that I aspired to be like my brother and sister who had both gone to College and when I seen this opportunity I took it both hands. Another reason I applied was some of my friends have completed the course and I seen what a positive effect it had on their life’s and I said to myself this is the course for me and I’m going to go for it.

What were your favourite modules on the Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice?

There are so many to choose from but I would have to say my favourite modules were Language and Society, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Poetry and Learning Theory and Practice. The main reasons why I loved these modules was because of the way they were taught, as you could hear the passion in the Lecturers Voice and this really helped me get a better understanding of the modules.

Can you tell us about your 2nd year placement in Falko? What did you learn about yourself while you were there?

I will. When I first started I was a bit nervous and will admit, I knew very little about airplanes. This didn’t last for long through as I was made so welcome and part of the team nearly straight away.

I know he won’t admit it, but this is mainly down to my amazing mentor Alex who has been so supportive and helpful since Day 1. What I learned was that actually was able to work under pressure which I normally can’t do with my condition Dyspraxia this was down to the relaxed nature and how well everything was explained to me.

You were invited back to do a paid Internship in Falko after you finished your course. How did that make you feel?

It made me feel a few emotions such as happy, excited but I will have to say the biggest one was proud. I say this because this meant that I was going to be paid for a job for the first time in my life something I could have only ever dreamed of a few years ago and proud that a company was willing to take a chance on me because of my ability not my disability.

Can you tell us about the work that you do in Falko?

I do lots of different jobs in Falko but I suppose the main ones are on a weekly basis, I am in charge of the company Newsletter in which I look up the latest news for Falko’s main customers and then I send it to the Marketing Team in Ireland, England, France and Singapore another job I do is update the companies bank accounts of all their main customers also on this we were having problems with the bank file and with help I recreated the bank file myself I am also in charge of ordering all the stationary for the office.

Can you tell us a little about your colleagues in Falko and how they support you?

I have to say they have been absolutely amazing. No matter what I ask is never too much trouble and even if I don’t get it the first time, they don’t mind explaining it to me again and it has been like this since Day 1 which is another reason I think I have settled in so quickly.

What do you enjoy most about working in Falko?

What I enjoyed the most about working in Falko is that I am part of a team and I feel like my contribution is appreciated. I also love the atmosphere in the office it’s relaxed but yet you get your work done. I just love the people as well as everyone is friendly and welcoming which puts me at ease and allows me to do my work stress free.

How did you feel when you found out that you were offered a permanent role in Falko?

Wow what a moment that was. I will have to admit I was in shock as I actually couldn’t believe it when I was offered a full time role. I will admit when I went outside I had a bit of an emotional moment to myself it was like I have finally been accepted and finally I felt like a normal human being not someone with a Disability.

How did you think you have changed since you first started as a Student in Trinity College in 2022?

I think I have changed in a few ways. Firstly I think I have gained in confidence this come from doing a lot of presentations in College in which improved my Public Speaking beyond recognition I have gone from struggling to do a 5 minute presentation to by the end of my time in College to be told sorry you have no more time you have to finish up now. It has also helped me become more Independent from getting my train in the morning, my bus to work and back again.

What are your goals for the future?

My goals for the future are to continue to work hard in my new job, to live independently in my own home, to marry my fiancée Saoirse and just to live a happy and healthy life for as long as I can.

From Dale's Colleagues in Falko

From Alex Vining, Falko Vice President of Marketing:

"We are absolutely delighted to have Dale join the Falko team on a permanent basis. Since Dale first joined the Falko team back in February 2024 on his work placement, he has shown a fantastic willingness to learn and has been such a strong contributor to the various teams he has worked with. Not only has the work Dale produces had a meaningful impact, but his positive can-do attitude has been a great addition to our office environment. It’s been fantastic to see how far Dale has come both personally and professionally since joining the team. We’re excited about the future and the further contributions he’ll bring to the team"

From Shirley Kwurue Quinn, Falko Financial Controller:

Dale’s contribution to the Finance team has been invaluable during a time of change in our team and systems. He has taken full ownership of tasks assigned to him. Dale applies himself to every task with a smile, positive attitude, and willingness to help. We look forward to his continued involvement in our team.