Clare concertina player awarded Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship

Pictured at the recent Mary Immaculate College Awards Ceremony was Rachel Mahony, from Ennis, Co. Clare who received the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship. Pic: Brian Arthur

Clare concertina player, Rachel Mahony, has been awarded the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship for 2024

Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) are delighted to announce that talented musician, Rachel Mahony, has been awarded the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship for 2024.

The scholarship, now in its second year, is awarded in memory of Ashling Murphy, who was killed just months after graduating from MIC as a primary teacher.

To cherish her memory, the scholarship recognises her twin love for traditional Irish music and for teaching and is open to First Year Bachelor of Education students who have shown exceptional talents as traditional Irish music players. The scholarship is awarded jointly by MIC and the INTO.

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Announcing the recipient was Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, who said: “Once again we are delighted to honour the memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022 following her murder. Ashling, as we all know, was a hugely talented traditional musician in addition to being a beloved teacher to all those fortunate enough to have had her as one during her short career. It is therefore fitting that we honour her memory by awarding a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician who is embarking on their B Ed (primary teaching) programme here with us at MIC. Rachel is such a musician and a worthy recipient and I wish her all the very best with her studies over the next four years.”

Rachel—from Ennis, County Clare—is a highly accomplished, award-winning traditional Irish musician and aspiring primary school teacher. She plays concertina and piano, with numerous wins at the Fleadh Cheoil, including first place in both solo and group competitions under her belt.

As a member of Crusheen Comhaltas, she has contributed to successful Grupa Cheoil and Ceilí Band performances at county, provincial, and national levels. Her dedication to preserving and sharing Irish music culture is also reflected in her involvement with both Music Generation Clare’s Irish Concertina Orchestra and Trad Orchestra. Her performance experience includes live appearances on RTE’s Ceilí House, TG4, Raidió na Gaeltachta and Clare FM.

As a music teacher, Rachel tutors young musicians within her own community and she is actively involved as a tutor in Consairtín too—Ireland’s annual concertina event. Living in a musically rich area has allowed her to learn from esteemed musicians like Tim Collins, Noel Hill, and the late, Chris Droney. She is deeply committed to promoting Irish music culture and looks forward to furthering this mission in education.

On accepting the scholarship, which was recently awarded at the annual MIC College Awards following her live performance at the ceremony, Rachel had this to say.

“I am delighted to receive the scholarship founded in Ashling’s memory. My passion for Irish traditional music has been a driving force in my life. I regularly attend festivals, fleadhs, and other events across the country, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect with fellow musicians of all ages. These friendships, formed through a shared love of music, are as significant to me as the music itself.”

Carmel Browne, President of the INTO, commented: “We at the INTO are honoured to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship in partnership with Mary Immaculate College. As INTO President this year, it is a special privilege to be closely involved with the award. The scholarship recognises Ashling’s love of teaching and traditional Irish music, along with her dedication to celebrating and nurturing new talent. By awarding this scholarship, we not only keep Ashling’s memory alive, but we also inspire future educators, who share her passion for music and community. This initiative embodies the INTO’s commitment to supporting educators who enrich Irish culture through their dedication and talent.”