The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
McManus backs Kerry students
PRINCIPALS at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore, and St Brendan’s College, Killarney, have expressed their pride in recent days after former students received backing from the JP McManus-sponsored All-Ireland Scholarships.
Diarmaid Nagle of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra scored maximum points in his Leaving Cert and scooped the student of the year award at the Rathmore-based school in October. Mr Crowley scored almost 600 points and now studies Pharmacy at University College Cork.
Now, the high-achievers have further cause for celebration as they were among 125 students to receive the backing of Limerick businessman JP McManus.
The scholarships are valued at €6,750 and last for the duration of each winner’s undergraduate programme.
Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Principal Denis Kerins felt that Mr Nagle, who studies Chemical Sciences at UCC, was as worthy a recipient as one could imagine.
“He was with us for six years, and he was always a very hard worker in that time,” Mr Kerins told The Kerryman. “His high achievements also earned him a Quercus Talented Students’ Programme scholarship, and I can’t think of a more worthy recipient of these two awards.”
Mr Crowley – who was described by St Brendan’s College Principal Seán Coffey as “an exemplary student, always” – said the award eases the financial burden that comes with going to college.
“It’s unbelievable, and totally unexpected,” he said. “It means I’ve no financial worries for college, that’s gone now. It’s a huge relief to my family as well, as it would be to any family.
“It allows me to focus entirely on my studies without the worries that come with the financial burden of college.”