Limerick students can apply for €2k grant, launched in honour of late volunteer
Sarsfield Credit Union launched the bursary for students starting third-level education in memory of Pat Woods
SARSFIELD Credit Union has launched the Pat Woods Student Bursary Award Scheme 2025 in memory of the late volunteer.
The bursary will provide three local students about to start third-level education with €2,000 each.
Speaking at the launch of the bursary, Pat Foley, chairperson of Sarsfield Credit Union said that it was “a moment that means a great deal to all of us”.
“Pat passed away last year, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say, we miss him deeply,” Mr Foley continued.
“Pat wasn’t just a colleague - he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding presence in this credit union since 2007. He gave so much of himself to this place. Whether serving as a director, chairperson of the board, or secretary of the Board Oversight Committee, Pat brought integrity, kindness, and a quiet determination to everything he did.
“But more than the roles he held, it was the way he carried himself that left a mark. Pat believed in people. He believed in community. And he believed in the power of education to change lives. He saw potential where others might not, and he never hesitated to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or simply listen.”
Mr Foley explained that Mr Woods’ belief that the credit union’s work isn’t “just about finances” was exactly why the bursary scheme “feels so right”.
“The Pat Woods Student Bursary Awards will support students who are striving to grow, to learn, and to make a difference. It’s exactly the kind of initiative Pat would have championed—because it reflects his values, his hopes, and his belief in the future.”
Mr Foley concluded with a message to the students that will benefit from the bursary: “Know that you’re part of something special. You’re walking a path that Pat helped pave, and we’re proud to walk it with you.”
Mr Woods’ wife, Marie, said that he would be “delighted to see that this includes applicants for apprenticeships to the trades as he enjoyed a long and varied career in the electrical trade himself”.
“We hope that as many eligible students as possible will apply for the bursary & we wish the successful candidates a bright & successful future on whatever field they choose,” she added.
David Costelloe, CEO of Sarsfield Credit Union Ltd described Pat as “a true gentleman, a trusted friend and a mentor who worked tirelessly as a volunteer for this credit union since 2007 to help grow and develop the credit union”.
Pat was passionate about the credit union’s “ethos to support and improve the lives of its members and the community at large” and he “strongly believed in the benefits of education and the opportunities that it presented to help people of all ages improve their lives,” Mr Costelloe added.
“We believe in investing in the next generation and supporting education is a key part of that mission. These bursaries are about more than funding; they’re about helping young people achieve their potential and build a brighter future,” he concluded.
Applications for the bursaries are now open to all eligible students who completed the Leaving Certificate in 2025, attended a local secondary school and are members of Sarsfield Credit Union.
If you are not already a member, you can join, open an account and then submit your application.
Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025 by filling out the form on Sarsfield Credit Union’s website.