Tarlach McAleer, a former pupil of Dean Maguirc College, enrolled in a Foundation Degree in Computing at South West College's Dungannon Campus after attending an open day. He completed A-Levels before starting the programme.

McAleer balanced studies with playing football for Loch Mhic Ruairi GFC and part-time work. He completed a work placement in a technical support role with the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

He topped up the foundation degree to a BSc Honours Degree in Computing Science. South West College validated the programme through the Open University.

After graduating, McAleer took an IT Technician position at South West College. He now studies an Introduction to AI and Cyber Security course via the college's Skill-Up programme.

Declan McAleer, Tarlach's father and a West Tyrone representative, expressed pride in his son's choice to study locally.