Kilkenny students score top marks

Kilkenny schools had reason to celebrate last month as six local students were awarded All Ireland Scholarships at the University of Limerick on Saturday, September 16.

Enda McCabe, Eoin Deely, Glen Crowe, Jack O’Neill, Joan Akaehomen, Philip Byrne and Shalom Oyenuga were honoured during the ceremony with Guest of Honour, Limerick Senior Hurling Manager, John Kiely.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins, Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group, Northern Ireland, Moira Doherty as well as family, friends and Principals Tom Clarke (CBS Kilkenny), Emma Raughter (Kilkenny College), Colm Keher (Loreto Kilkenny) and Michelle Jefford (Abbey Community College) were all in attendance.

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 and offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.

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 All Ireland Scholarships (AIS) is celebrating 15 years since its foundation, and in that time the scheme has awarded 1,674 scholarships, while 1,348 recipients have graduated and are embarking on successful careers

Commenting on the scheme, Scholarship Sponsor JP McManus said: "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."