Eight Mayo students were among the 224 scholarship recipients for 2008 announced by Dr Philip Nolan, Deputy President of University College Dublin.
Entrance scholarships are awarded to the highest point students in each degree programme across the university. The Mayo Entrance Scholars in 2008 are Denise Moran and Brónagh Sherlock from Mount St Michael Secondary School in Claremorris, who are now studying Science and Engineering at UCD; Alan Benson and Oliver Mobasser from Coláiste Cholmáin in Claremorris, who are now studying Actuarial and Financial Studies and Law with Philosophy respectively; Deirdre Doherty from St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina, who is now studying General Nursing; and Fiona McGovern from Ballinrobe Community School, who is now studying Agricultural Science.
In addition to the six Entrance Scholars, there were two UCD Sports Scholars from Mayo this year.
Evan Connolly, past student of Balla Secondary School, was a soccer scholarship recipient and is now studying for a Diploma in Sports Management at UCD. Gerard Kelly, past student of St Gerald's College in Castlebar, received his Sports Scholarship for his skills in athletics (hammer ). Gerard is now studying Engineering at UCD.
Along with the eight Mayo scholarship recipients, Mayo was also represented in the UCD High Achievers awards.
A further 11 Mayo students (along with four of the scholarship recipients ) were recognised as UCD High Achievers - students who scored over 540 points in their Leaving Certificate. This year, 527 first years entered the ranks of the UCD High Achievers and their accomplishment will be recorded on their degree transcript when they graduate.
Nine Mayo schools were represented in the 2008 UCD High Achievers from St Gerald’s College in Castlebar was Patrick Wiseman. From Colaiste Cholmain in Claremorris were Entrance Scholars Alan Benson and Oliver Mobasser. From Ballyhaunis Community School was Kenneth Noone. From Ballinrobe Community School was Aishling Browne. From Naomh Ioseph Clochcar na Trocaire in Castlebar were Aoife Granahan and Rachael Walsh. From Scoil an Chroi Naofa in Westport was Nicola Sheridan. From the Secondary School in Balla was Ciaran Prendergast. From St Muredach’s College in Ballina were James Farrell and Grelian Tuohy. From Mount St Michael, Claremorris were Maeve Egan, Denise Moran, Miriam Nolan and Bronagh Sherlock.
