Leitrim student Shane Lowe wins prestigious €24,000 Naughton Foundation scholarship
Leitrim student Shane Lowe, a former Lough Allen College pupil, has won a €24,000 Naughton Foundation Scholarship to study Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, with his former school also receiving €1,000 towards its science facilities.
A former Lough Allen College student has been awarded a €24,000 scholarship to support his studies in Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, recognising his academic achievement and potential in the field of science and technology.
County Leitrim student Shane Lowe has been named among the recipients of the 2026 Naughton Foundation Scholarships, securing one of the prestigious awards worth €24,000.
Shane, a former student of Lough Allen College, has accepted a place to study Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at Trinity College's Business School in Dublin on Saturday, October 17, where founding patron of the Naughton Foundation, Carmel Naughton, was joined by Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health, to present the winning students with their awards and cheques.
The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards aim to nurture Ireland's next generation of talent by supporting exceptional students pursuing third-level degrees in engineering, science, technology and mathematics (STEM).
Each scholarship is worth €24,000, providing €6,000 annually towards a student's three- or four-year undergraduate degree.
This year's awards saw 37 scholarships presented to students across Ireland, with at least one scholarship awarded in every county.
As part of the recognition, Shane's former secondary school, Lough Allen College, also received a prize of €1,000 towards its science facilities in acknowledgement of the school's support for its successful student.
The Naughton Foundation was established by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 2008 and has since awarded more than €7 million in scholarships to over 480 students.
Originally launched across just three counties, the programme expanded nationwide in 2016, ensuring that students from every county have the opportunity to benefit from the scheme, alongside 11 additional awards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Carmel Naughton said: "For many years, Martin and I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting some of Ireland's brightest young students through the Naughton Foundation.
"What began as a shared belief in the importance of education has grown into a wonderful community of scholars, whose achievements continue to inspire us year after year.
"While this is an emotional occasion for our family without Martin here to share it, I can think of no better way to celebrate his life and legacy than by recognising the ambition, dedication and extraordinary potential of this year's scholarship recipients.
"Martin believed these young people would become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and it gives me immense pride to see that vision continue. Supporting the next generation of Irish talent is a legacy we are deeply committed to carrying forward."
Minister Carroll MacNeill also congratulated the scholarship recipients, highlighting the importance of supporting young people with the ambition to make a difference.
"These scholarships celebrate not only academic excellence, but also curiosity, determination and the ambition to make a difference. You have given us reason to be hopeful about the future."
She also paid tribute to Martin Naughton and the legacy he had left behind.
"Martin was a believer in the importance of education and in providing the youth with a chance to realise their dreams and aspirations. Through the Naughton Foundation, Martin and Carmel have done something very special that has made the lives of so many young people better and which will continue to do so in years to come."
For Shane Lowe, the scholarship represents a significant achievement as he prepares to begin his studies in Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, while also bringing recognition to his former school and County Leitrim.