On Saturday November 25, former Moate Community School graduate Alan Henson was awarded The All-Ireland Scholarship at a special ceremony held at the University of Limerick.
The scholarship recognises high achievement in the Leaving Certificate and is funded by a trust set up by well-known businessman and philanthropist, J P McManus.
The event was hosted by J P and his wife Noreen and the guest speaker was none other than President Michael D. Higgins, a phenomenal orator who spoke of his own experiences and hardship accessing third level education back in the day in a witty and engaging fashion. Some 142 students received this prestigious award, which will no doubt make the financial costs of third level education more bearable.
This year, a further €32m was invested into the trust to ensure that this scholarship programme will continue in to its second decade. In the past five years, three past Moate Community School students have received this award.
Alan's parents John and Margaret and older brother Paul accompanied him to collect the award, along with Josephine Meehan, guidance counsellor at Moate Community School.
