Caitlin secures prestigious third level bursary
A sixth year student in Creagh College has been announced as the first candidate to receive the Mary Fitzgerald third level bursary award.
Caitlin Falconer was named as the first recipient and a spokesperson for the Mary Fitzgerald Award organisation said she ‘embodies the ethos of the organisation and the principles of Wexford native Suffragette, Mary Fitzgerald’.
As she continues her studies Caitlin is hoping to pursue a degree in education.
This is the first year of the award and several Leaving Certificate students in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal
District area entered in the hopes to securing the bursary.
Speaking about the award, the chairperson of the awarding organisation, David Monaghan, said the calibre of applicants was exemplary.
‘We were delighted to see such a strong response and to read about the fantastic contributions that young people make throughout the county,’ he said.
However, he also said the contributions illustrated the financial difficulties that excellent students face in pursuing further education as SUSI payments no longer reflect the living costs of urban centres.
With regard to Caitlin’s submission, Mr Monaghan said: ‘We were impressed by Caitlin’s dedication to her community, and her track record in highlighting mental health issues in the county.’
‘We are delighted to offer the €1,000 educational bursary to such a worthy candidate,’ said Mr Monaghan.
‘We hope it makes a difference to Caitlin’s educational experience and we look forward to collaborating with her in promoting further education in Wexford,’ he added.
The Mary Fitzgerald Award will continue to operate for the next academic year and the board is eager to meet again to formulate a strategy.