Kildare students receive bursary awards

GODOLPHIN Bursary presentations were held at the Cape Cross Centre, Kildangan Stud, Monasterevin recently. The Godolphin Bursary is offered annually to 6th year students who intend to continue full-time study at a technological university or university in Ireland, or at an equivalent institution overseas. The Godolphin Bursary which is now entering its eleventh year is offered to students at ten nominated schools based in localities in which Godolphin Ireland has stud farms.

Candidates for the bursary are assessed on evidence of engagement in school and community activities and on the focus and clarity of their submissions.

The successful candidates receive a laptop computer along with €1,500 per year of third level study up to a maximum of four years. In keeping with the ethos of the Godolphin Bursary, recipients are encouraged to volunteer with charities and community groups throughout their undergraduate studies.

Joe Osborne, Godolphin Ireland’s managing director welcomed the assembled guests which included the 2024 Godolphin Bursary recipients and their family, school representatives, former Godolphin bursary recipients, and members of the Godolphin Ireland management team.

Joe acknowledged the various contributions bursary recipients have made to their local community and noted that the way you spend your time is the best measure of your character. Joe emphasized that recipients did not win but rather earned the Godolphin bursary by demonstrating good citizenship and reminded them that success is measured not only by achievement but by the kindness shown to others along the way.

Bursary Alumni Laura Casey who was the 2020 Scoil Mhuire Community School recipient also spoke at the event. A recent graduate of Business and Law at UCD Laura acknowledged the support the bursary had been to her while studying, and thanked Godolphin for its generosity. Laura congratulated the group on their bursary success and encouraged them to not only keep up their voluntary associations but to expand them in the years ahead.

The event concluded with a walking tour of Kildangan Stud which included a visit to the stallion yard where guests viewed Darley stallions Night of Thunder and Blue Point.

The full list of 2024 Godolphin Bursary Recipients and Schools are as follows:

Áine Sheerin, Kildare Town Community School, Kildare Town; Cillian Kirk, Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; Cillian Pender, St Paul’s Secondary School, Monasterevin; Emma Keenan, Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin, Rathangan; Jenieka Nel, St Conleth’s Community College, Newbridge ; Katelyn Dennehy, Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge; Katie O'Dwyer, Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary; Luke Coone, St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne, Co. Meath; Nora O'Brien, Cashel Community School, Cashel, Co. Tipperary; Victoria Gheorghescu, Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane.

To learn more about the Godolphin Bursary, visit https://www.godolphin.com/charitable-programmes/future or email: cdevitt@godolphin.com