Two Waterford girls named among 125 of the highest achieving students of the year

Two Waterford girls are among 125 of the highest achieving students of the year. 

Eve Power and Etse Oshiogwemoh have each received an All Ireland Scholarship, an educational award for the best students of the year which pays for the full duration of their undergraduate studies. 

A minimum of two students are chosen from each of the 32 counties annually. 

The girls were honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Award Ceremony on March 30 in the University Concert Hall at the University of Limerick. 

Attendees at the ceremony included sponsor JP McManus, Guest of Honour and CEO of Northwell Health, Michael J. Dowling, Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins TD, and others. 

Commenting at the awards ceremony, scholarship sponsor JP McManus said, "I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of these 125 students. 

"To date, 1,799 students have received an All Ireland Scholarship and 1,348 of those students have since graduated from university.

"Today is a very special occasion for the students, their families and principals. They should all be very proud of themselves, and we are looking forward to seeing what they do in years to come." 

The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus and this year marks its 16th anniversary.

Recipients of the award must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland.