Clonmel Credit Union student Bursary Award winners are announced

Clonmel Credit Union celebrated its inaugural 2024 Student Bursary Award Scheme with the winners, parents, and school principals at a private gathering at its Parnell Street head office. (Friday, 6th September)

The Student Bursary Award Scheme was launched in June. The bursary, worth €14,000 in total, was set up to assist seven qualifying students from secondary schools in the local community who intend to pursue their academic goals in third-level education this Autumn.

The winners were announced this month, live on air with Owen Lonergan on Tipp FM's Drivetime.

Pádraig Enright, CEO of Clonmel Credit Union, offered a "warm welcome" to the school principals and parents and told the students, "You are embarking on the next stage of your life, and we're delighted to support you."

He said, "We have one objective when we come to work at Clonmel Credit Union, to make a meaningful impact where it matters in the local community. As a not-for-profit organisation, every euro we earn is reinvested for the benefit of members and the community, a commitment that sets us apart from traditional banks and building societies.

"Supporting the financial well-being of local people is our priority, whether through financial assistance for students or various other local initiatives. Our focus remains on serving the community and giving back."

The Student Bursary Award winners are Conor Kiely from CBS Highschool going on to study Business and Accounts in Maynooth College. Jay Purcell from Raheen College is studying Applied Psychology in Waterford. Amy Morrissey will study Agricultural Science at UCD in Dublin, while Naoise Forristal will read law and Irish at UCC.

Bursary award winners Ava O'Riordan from Loreto School and Mia Rose O'Sullivan from Cashel Community School are both going to Mary Immaculate College in Limerick to study primary school teaching.

The atmosphere at Clonmel Credit Union was one of excitement, joy, and palpable pride as each student collected their certificate and received their € 2,000 bursary to help them as they go on to university.

Molly O'Brien from Presentation Secondary Clonmel started her degree and could not attend the event. Principal Michael O'Loughlin accepted the certificate on her behalf.

During the celebration, the Principal of Raheen College, John McCarthy, welcomed the collaboration with Clonmel Credit Union and thanked the institution on behalf of the local schools.

He said, "This is a wonderful and generous initiative by Clonmel Credit Union, supporting the students in the next part of their journey in education.

"We greatly appreciate the support they give us, not just the Student Bursary Awards but the Credit Union as an active supporter across every part of the community. I'd like to wish all of the students the best of luck on their onward journeys to third-level education."

Eamonn O'Mara, Chairman of Clonmel Credit Union, praised the outstanding standard of applications, attributing it to the exceptional work of students, school principals, and staff. He commended the dedication and leadership within our community, reflecting the high standards upheld in the common bond area.

He also acknowledged the emotional and financial challenges faced by parents during the transition to third-level education, and quipped that Clonmel Credit Union could help with the financial side!

The Student Bursary Award was established to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with attending third-level education. Clonmel Credit Union has confirmed that the programme will run again next year.

Available to 6th year members in the locale who wish to attend a year-long third-level course.

The Chairperson concluded with a piece of advice for the students, "People who have sat the Leaving Cert say it's the hardest exam they've ever done.

"You've done the hardest exam now, so whatever you're going to study, take the opportunity to study hard, but importantly, enjoy the whole college adventure."  

For financial support and information, visit: www.clonmelcu.com