Students from North and South are awarded Third Level Scholarships sponsored by JP McManus

Winners of the 2010 All Ireland Scholarships were officially recognised at an awards ceremony yesterday, Saturday 6 November, 2010 at the University of Limerick Concert Hall, Limerick, where Businessman Dermot Desmond was Special Guest.

A total of 125 students from both North and South were presented with a third level scholarship certificate by the Minister of State at the Department of  Foreign Affairs, Peter Power, T.D. Sponsored by JP McManus, the scheme is set to provide financial assistance to many high achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate/A Level examinations in 2010.

JP McManus has contributed a total of €32 million in support of third level education 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 1,300 students from the 32 counties will benefit from the scheme over its duration. The remaining €2 million has been contributed to the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarships at NUI Maynooth.

Since the inception of the All Ireland Scholarships in 2008, 369 students have been awarded a scholarship. The scheme is administered by the Department of Education & Skills, the Department for Employment & Learning with support from the Department of Education, Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the Scholarship Awards, JP McManus said; “It gives me great pleasure to present these students a scholarship that not only recognises their achievements, but their hard work and commitment to their academic lives so far. I would like to congratulate the 2010 winners and acknowledge their parents and school teachers who have played an important part in their success. My family and I derive great pleasure from being a part of these awards and we look forward to following the progress of all the winners.” 

The scholarships have been set at €6,750 per annum in Ireland and stg£5,500 per annum in Northern Ireland and will continue for the duration of the under graduate programmes chosen by the scholarship winners.

Press Release: 7th November 2010