Paul O’Connell speaks at All Ireland Scholarships 2016

Paul O’Connell Congratulates winning students at All Ireland Scholarships 2016. Attending the awards ceremony were, Paul O’Connell with scholarship recipients, Conor Gaffney, Wexford Town and James McDonnell, Middleton Co. Cork. Picture: Alan Place.

Winners of the All Ireland Scholarships 2016 were commended by Rugby Legend, Paul O’Connell at an awards ceremony, Saturday 19th November 2016 at the University of Limerick.  Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD and the Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Andrew McCormick presented the students from the North and South with a third-level scholarship award. 

Sponsored by JP McManus, the educational scheme is set to provide financial assistance to many high-achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate/A Level examinations in 2016.

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Attending the awards ceremony were, scholarship recipients, Chloe Carrick, Ballinasloe Co. Galway, Eimear McErlane, The Loup Co. Derry, James McDonnell, Middleton Co. Cork and Conor Gaffney, Wexford Town with JP McManus (2nd from left). Picture: Alan Place

Congratulating this year’s recipients of the All Ireland Scholarships 2016, Special Guest at the awards, Paul O’Connell said; “I feel so privileged to be here today and meet with all these incredible students who have worked so hard to achieve their goals and dreams. You each have a bright and exciting future ahead of you and I am looking forward to following your progress and achievements.  Congratulations and continued success in the future.” 

Welcoming guests at the awards ceremony, JP McManus said; “Today is not only about congratulating and acknowledging the students for their hard work, but recognising their families and schools who have committed to giving these students a solid foundation that will take them through life.

He added; “Thank you to our special guest and great friend Paul O’Connell, we are honoured to have you present at the awards today.  You are a prime example of someone who has shown that hard work, commitment and drive can bring great things to an individual’s life and indeed, the lives of those around you.” 

The All Ireland Scholarships 2016 have been set at €6,750 per annum in Ireland and stg£5,500 in Northern Ireland and will continue for the duration of the undergraduate programme chosen by the scholarship winners.

Attending the awards ceremony were, scholarship recipients, Chloe Carrick, Ballinasloe Co. Galway, James McDonnell, Middleton Co. Cork, Eimear McErlane, The Loup Co. Derry, and Conor Gaffney, Wexford Town with Paul O’Connell. Picture: Alan Place

Three students from Limerick – Geoffrey Keating and Adrian Kehoe from Ardscoil Rís and Eibhlín Halpin from Gaelchoáiste Luimnigh – were part of the 125 awarded the scholarships this Saturday. It is worth €6,750 per year to each student.

JP McManus has contributed a total of €32 million in support of third-level educational initiatives in recognition of the 32 counties of Ireland. The All Ireland Scholarship Trust has received €30 million to fund the provision of these bursaries each year and it is estimated that over 1,200 students throughout the country will benefit from the scheme over its duration. The remaining €2 million has been contributed to the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarships at NUI Maynooth. The scholarships scheme is administered by the Department of Education & Skills, the Department for the Economy with support from the Department of Education, Northern Ireland. 

You can find more information on the All Ireland Scholarships 2016 here.
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