Kilkenny student awarded Maynooth University Entrance Scholarship

The Leaving Certificate achievements of former County Kilkenny school student Nora McCarthy were acknowledged and celebrated by Maynooth University at a recent awards ceremony.

The first year MU student is among almost 50 Maynooth University Entrance Scholars who began their studies at Maynooth University in September 2025. The €1,000 Entrance Scholarship is awarded to incoming first year students, via the CAO, who have obtained 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate.

A former student of Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny, Nora is now taking the Bachelor of Arts degree MH101 at Maynooth University.
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The ceremony, which took place in early February, marked the expansion of an established annual tradition designed to support and celebrate our Entrance Scholars (academic scholars) to now include our Sport Scholars. The new wider Scholars Awards Night event brought together Entrance Scholars, Sports Scholars, academic leaders and sport development officers from across the University, students, families, educators, sports leaders, and supporters to honour the achievements of this year’s scholarship recipients.

Professor Ronan Farrell, Vice President Academic and Registrar, said: “I am proud to be hosting this newly expanded Scholars Awards Night. These scholarships represent more than financial support — they reflect our belief in the potential of young people and our commitment to helping them pursue their goals.”

Professor Ronan Farrell presented each scholar with a bespoke piece of crystal, in recognition of their achievement. School representatives were presented with a plaque. Family members and guests were treated to an evening of music and refreshments.

The inaugural Scholarship Awards Night underscores Maynooth University’s commitment to invest in the next generation and create opportunities that empower students to thrive in their academic and sporting endeavours.
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In total, almost one hundred scholarships were awarded on the night:

Entrance Scholars (the Entrance Scholarship is automatically awarded to incoming first year students, via the CAO, who have obtained 575 points or more in the Leaving Certificate).
Music Entrance Scholar (the Music Entrance Scholarship is awarded to the top scoring applicant to the MH103 Bachelor of Music degree, based on their online video audition).
W.A Barrett Engineering Scholars (the W.A. Barrett Scholarship in Engineering at Maynooth University was established in 2023 through the generosity of Earthridge International and the Barrett family to commemorate the late William Anthony (Tony) Barrett. The scholarship provides €3,000 to eligible first year students taking a level 8 course that is accredited by Engineers Ireland at Maynooth University).
Sports Scholars from GAA (Camogie, Hurling, Ladies Football, Men's Football), Golf, Rugby, Snooker and Soccer.

For more information about the range of undergraduate scholarships at Maynooth University, visit mu.ie/scholarships. 

Maynooth University Open Days take place on Saturday, April 25 and June 27 2026 (10am-2pm). More information is available at www.mu.ie/opendays.