Three local students awarded All Ireland Scholarships
Three students from Westmeath have been awarded a JP McManus sponsored All Ireland Scholarship, which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.
The three local 2022 leaving certificate students; Doireann Coffey, Johanna Naughton and Shikha Rassool will be honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Award Ceremony 2023 on September 16 in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick.
A former pupil of St Finian's, Johanna is studying physics in Trinity College Dublin. Doireann (Moate CS) is currently studying economics and finance in University College Dublin, while Shikha ( Athlone Community College) is studying optometry in Technological University Dublin.
In attendance at the ceremony will be guest of honour the Limerick senior hurling team manager John Kiely, Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins TD and Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Moira Doherty as well as the family, friends and principals of the scholarship recipients.
Commenting on the scheme, scholarship sponsor JP McManus said: “A total of 1,348 successful graduates have emerged with primary degrees and are now either embarking on further studies or in the case of the majority, pursuing successful careers. This figure demonstrates that the key objective – to provide financial support to many gifted young students so they may succeed during their third-level education – has worked. Their drive and determination is admirable, and they should be very proud. We look forward to celebrating the most recent recipients’ achievements at the upcoming ceremony.”
The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus and this year marks its 15th anniversary. The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest – achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each of the 32 counties. The recipients must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland. The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.
To date, 1,674 scholarships have been awarded across the island of Ireland, of which 1,348 winners have already graduated from university and have embarked on successful careers. The most popular courses chosen by the 2022 cohort of scholarship recipients include science, engineering, pharmacy, finance and medicine.