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JP McManus scholarship for Tara

Tara Anne O’Hare from Newry has received a prestigious JP McManus Scholarship at a recent event in the University Concert Hall Limerick.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry together with Jan O’Sullivan TD and Minister for Education and Skills presented certificates top 125 students, including 25 from Northern Ireland at the ceremony. Speaking at the awards Mr Farry said: “I commend JP McManus for his continued support in providing these scholarships which make a real difference to the lives of students looking to gain all the benefits from higher education.

“My Department’s Widening Participation Strategy ‘Access to Success’ demonstrates my commitment to ensuring that those who are most able but least likely to participate should be given every encouragement and support to gain these qualifications. This scholarship will help to support this commitment  to widening participation, by ensuring that all young people, irrespective of their background have the opportunity have the opportunity to access higher education.”       

The JP McManus Scheme provides financial assistance to students across Ireland from low income households who are intending to take up higher education places. The scholarships are worth £5.5k per year to students from Northern Ireland .

The Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “Access to third level education opens up a world of opportunity. I offer my warmest congratulations to the 125 recipients of this year’s awards and wish each and everyone of you every success in your future studies and careers.” Further information on the JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship Scheme is available www.nidirect.gov.uk

Newry Democrat

1st December 2015