SHSS Alumnae Link - Clíonadh Condon

Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!

This is where we connect with past pupils and find out what they’re up to now.

This week we linked with Clíonadh Condon who graduated in 2016.

Name and position:

Clíonadh Condon, Trading Graduate at Musgrave.

Lives:

Cork

Best memory of Sacred Heart:

I have lots of “best” memories- I always loved the atmosphere around the White House especially during lunch break. The teachers were always up for a laugh, and Catherine and Eileen were the best fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Transition Year and have many fond memories especially with Ms. Hennessy and the Angus girls. We were a really close year and got on really well with all the staff, especially in senior cycle. If I had to pick a best memory it would have to be the day of our graduation. During rehearsals, we all sat in the GPR and had a sing song. It was a really emotional day, looking back on our past 6 years, but we were all so excited for what the future had in store.

What were your favourite classes?

Economics, Biology and Ag Science. I had a strong interest in food production and in particular, the business aspect of that. Those three subjects were the perfect blend.

Tell us about your career progression to date:

After my Leaving Cert, I went on to study Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship in UCC. This course is all about the food industry coupled with entrepreneurial thinking. I graduated from UCC in October 2020 with a first-class honours. I am now on a two-year Graduate Programme with Musgrave. I am working as a Trading Graduate in Belfast, managing all retail chill and frozen products in the wholesale division in Northern Ireland. The best part of my job is that I get lots of product samples from suppliers!

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I love what I do and I wouldn’t change my job for the world. However, I have recently taken an interest into wine production and grape varieties and so I am learning about all things wine- from terroirs to tannins! I hope someday I can be part of the wine buying category- it fascinates me.

Advice you would give your teenage self:

Everything happens for a reason- what may seem like a big deal at the time, may turn out to be something very small in the end.

Favourite quote or motto?

When given the choice between being right or being kind- choose kind.

What is your hidden talent?

Ahhh… I make a delicious cheese board.

(that’s a talent…right?)

Huge thanks to Clíonadh for taking the time to answer our questions!

See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link.