A Galway student attending GMIT Letterfrack has been awarded the prestigious Ronald McDonnell Bursary for her talent in furniture conservation and restoration.
Cathy O’Donnell from Ballyedmond, Clonbern, Ballinasloe, is a second year student on the bachelor of science in furniture conservation and restoration programme at the Letterfrack campus.
Ms O’Donnell commenced her GMIT course as a mature student having considerable experience as a project manager, planner, and programmer in the construction industry.
The Ronald McDonnell Bursary is awarded annually to an Irish craftsperson of exceptional talent and commitment, to undertake a specialised or advanced course at home or abroad to further her skills in conservation and restoration of art objects in wood, stone, marble, metals, parquetry, needlework, porcelain, glass, and/or paper.
The bursary, worth €2,500, was founded by Ronald and Doreen McDonnell who ran an antique shop in Kildare Street, Dublin, for many years. Mr McDonnell was the founding president of The Irish Antique Dealers Association.
Dermot O’Donovan, head of department at GMIT Letterfrack, says it was a great achievement for Ms O’Donnell.
“This award is recognition both of her talent and also her commitment to the programme at GMIT Letterfrack,” he said. “The programme is highly specialised and aims to train students to the highest standards in the conservation and restoration of furniture and other wooden objects. This award is also a tribute to the programme co-ordinator Henning Schulze.”
