Student sets off for the stars with prestigious scholarship

A Wicklow student who achieved the maximum 625 points in her Leaving Certificate has received the prestigious Ad Astra Academic Scholarship from UCD.

Former Coláiste Eoin Hacketstown student Ailbhe Maguire was joined by her parents Johnny and Bronagh, and Coláiste Eoin Principal Alan Costello at a recent ceremony in UCD’s O’Reilly Hall, where the high achiever was awarded the exclusive scholarship.

After achieving 7 H1 marks in Irish, English, Mathematics, Home Economics, Biology, Art and Business and a distinction in the LCVP last year, Ailbhe credited her success to consistency and striking the right balance between study and extracurricular activities before declaring her desire to pursue a career in the sciences.

The Ad Astra Academic Scholarship, which translates to ‘To the Stars’, has set Ailbhe on that path, with the leadership programme aimed at motivated students who can demonstrate high intellectual achievement and want to reach further through undertaking a challenging university programme and developing their leadership skillset.

Ailbhe will have the support of a dedicated mentor, who will have a close knowledge of her academic commitments and will provide guidance on how best to develop her potential, along with access to a series of seminars and workshops.

Praising their former student’s outstanding achievement, a Coláiste Eoin spokesperson said: “Ailbhe is a great source of inspiration for all the students of Coláiste Eoin.

“Ailbhe completed her leaving cert in Coláiste Eoin last year, achieving the maximum points possible. This is a remarkable accomplishment.

“Congratulations, Ailbhe, we are very proud of you.”