Winners of local Tipperary Credit Union bursary award announced

€12,000 was shared among six local students as Clonmel Credit Union announced the winners of the 2025 Student Bursary Award Scheme.

Now in its second year, the initiative offers six local students a bursary of €2,000 each to support their third-level education and mitigate escalating expenses such as rent, transport, fees, and cost-of-living pressures.

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A presentation took place on Thursday, September 11, at a special event at the branch on Parnell Street with students, parents, school principals and credit union staff in attendance.

Speaking at the bursary presentation, Pádraig Enright, CEO of Clonmel Credit Union, commented: “The Bursary Award Scheme reflects our commitment as a community-owned organisation to help ease the burden of third-level costs. Our aim is not only to support academic achievement but to recognise qualities such as resilience, leadership, and community involvement; values that are at the heart of the credit union ethos. By investing in our young people, we are also investing in the future strength of our community. Congratulations to each of the winners on their achievement.”

The six recipients of the 2025 Student Bursary Awards are Sarah Smith, Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard, hopes to pursue a career in Irish and Business at Mary Immaculate College, Thurles; Mícheál McMaugh of CBS High School is interested in Immersive Software Engineering at the University of Limerick; Comeragh College student Reuben Darcy is setting off to Dublin to study Preliminary Engineering; Ciarán Cotter, a student from Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn, is set to study International Business at the University of Limerick; Róise O’Reilly from Presentation Secondary School is hoping for Veterinary at UCD, and Ava Flavin attended Loreto Secondary School and is starting an Arts Degree at Maynooth University, studying English and Politics.

All six students demonstrated outstanding ambition, clarity, and a strong commitment to community involvement.

A panel comprising three prominent local figures, including Michael O'Loughlin, recently retired Principal from Presentation Secondary School; Laura Jones, representing Clonmel's vibrant tourism and professional training sector; and John Leahy, a former Tipperary senior hurler working in the fields of mental health and education, reviewed the bursary submissions.

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Each brings a unique perspective rooted in community and education.

The applications were anonymised throughout the judging process to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Michael O'Loughlin explained: "With the price of accommodation, for any student starting college, it's a nice little boost, whether it's accommodation, fees, travel, or IT services.

"Financial assistance relieves a little bit of pressure. It sets students in the right frame for the first few weeks, which can be daunting as many are away from home for the first time.

"All the applicants should be commended on their achievements. They each shared a bigger picture of their life, with very clear ambitions. I’d encourage all of them to pursue those goals, and I wish them every success.”

Bursary Award winner, Ava Flavin from Loreto Secondary School said: “I’m so excited to be studying English and politics at Maynooth University, starting next week. Thank you so much to Clonmel Credit Union for making my college dreams so much easier.”