Third annual 'Donncha MacNiallais Bursary Award' launched in Derry

PICTURED ABOVE: DONNCHA MacNIALLAIS BURSARY AWARD. . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh pictured at Dove House Community Trust on Friday to launch the third Annual Donncha Mac Niallais Bursary Award which will see two scholarships awarded to primary and secondary pupils for a week-long paid trip to the Gaeltacht next summer. Included in photo are Mrs. Mary Nelis, and Jayne Quigg, manager, DHCT. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)

Once again, two scholarships are to be awarded to primary and secondary pupils for a week-long paid trip to the Gaeltacht this summer through the second annual Donncha MacNiallais Bursary Award.

Donncha Mc Niallais was a much-loved activist who dedicated his life to promoting the Irish language. He spoke Irish at every opportunity and played a key role in setting up organisations and structures that helped the language grow, thrive, and survive for future generations.

He was also deeply committed to community work, always standing up against social, economic, and educational inequalities in some of the most disadvantaged areas. Donncha’s contribution to both the Irish language and the wider community will continue to have a lasting impact for many years to come.

To honour his memory and his love of the Irish language, Dove House Community Trust has established the Donncha Mc Niallais Award. This is a scholarship that gives young people the opportunity to attend An Gaeltacht. Each year, two scholarships will be awarded for travel the following summer.

Launch of the third Annual Donncha Mac Niallais Bursary Award. Included in photo are Jude McNiallais, Fiachra Kearney, Cathy Nelis, Denee Boyda, Decky Nelis, Karen Kyle, Jayne Quigg, manager, DHCT and Cathy Nelis.

The funding will cover travel fees, clothing and spending allowance for the two successful recipients. The first is open to children in P7 that attend Irish medium schools in the city; and the second, to Year 8 students in mainstream and Irish-medium secondary schools.

The bursaries were launched at Dove House Community Trust on Friday last by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh with Dove House manager Jayne Quigg and members of the MacNiallais family in attendance.

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Jayne Quigg, manager, Dove House said: "We are delighted to once again be involved in the award. Donncha had a vast and positive impact on our community, especially within the organisation that is Dove House Community Trust.

For further information check out Dove House Facebook Page (Dove House Meenan)