Longford students honoured at All Ireland scholarships award ceremony

Two Longford students have received an All Ireland scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.  

Rachel Higgins and Danielle Kanyinsola Richard-Akinyemi were honoured at the All-Ireland scholarships awards ceremony on April 4 last in the University of Limerick Concert Hall.

L-R: JP McManus, Ardscoil Phádraig Granard student Rachel Higgins, Willie O'Dea TD, and school principal Rosemary Johnston

Now in its 18th year, the awards were first established in 2008 by entrepreneur JP McManus as a means of providing financial support to gifted students pursuing third-level education. 

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Mr McManus was in attendance at the ceremony alongside guest of honour and double Olympic champion, Kellie Harrington, Deputy Willie O’Dea TD, and Head of the Skills and Education Group for the Department for the Economy NI, Louise Watson.  

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr McManus acknowledged what he described as “the outstanding achievements” of the winners.

Noting the impact of the scholarships on students’ lives, he added that of the 2,051 students awarded an All Ireland scholarship, 1,437 of those students had since graduated from university.

L-R: JP McManus, Méan Scoil Mhuire Longford student Danielle Kanyinsola Richard-Akinyemi, Willie O'Dea TD, and school principal Siobhán Cullen

Each year, 125 scholarships are awarded across the 32 counties with recipients receiving €6,750 per year in Ireland and £5,500 per year in Northern Ireland, to cover the duration of their undergraduate studies. 

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