Kildare students receive Maynooth Uni scholarship awards

KILDARE students awarded Maynooth University Entrance Scholarships The significant Leaving Certificate achievements of eight former Kildare school students have been acknowledged and celebrated by Maynooth University (MU) at a recent awards ceremony.

The first-year students, who began their studies at MU in September 2025, are among almost 50 Maynooth University Entrance Scholars, each of whom has achieved 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate examination.

Former Newbridge College student Tia Donovan (BA Psychology degree), former CBS Naas, Meánscoil Iognáid Rís student Harry Dunne (BA Bachelor of Arts degree), former Maynooth Post Primary School student Karolina Koziel (BA Accounting and Finance degree), former Maynooth Community College student Kehinde Oke (LLB Law degree), former Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane student Holly O’Rourke (BSc Psychology degree), former Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin, student Katie Price (BSc Food Science and Human Nutrition), former Scoil Dara, Kilcock student Seán Ryan (BSc Quantitative Finance), along with another County Kildare student, enjoyed the celebration of their Leaving Certificate examination success.

The €1,000 Entrance Scholarship is automatically awarded to incoming first-year students, via the CAO, who have obtained 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate.

The ceremony, which took place in early February, marked the expansion of an established annual tradition designed to support and celebrate entrance scholars (academic scholars) to now include sport scholars. The new wider Scholars Awards Night event brought together the scholars, academic leaders and sport development officers from across the University, students, families, educators, sports leaders, and supporters to honour the achievements of this year’s scholarship recipients.

Professor Ronan Farrell, vice president academic and registrar, said: “I am proud to be hosting this newly expanded Scholars Awards Night. These scholarships represent more than financial support — they reflect our belief in the potential of young people and our commitment to helping them pursue their goals.” 

Professor Ronan Farrell presented each scholar with a bespoke piece of crystal, in recognition of their achievement. School representatives were presented with a plaque. Family members and guests were treated to an evening of music and refreshments.

The inaugural Scholarship Awards Night underscores Maynooth University’s commitment to invest in the next generation and create opportunities that empower students to thrive in their academic and sporting endeavours.

In total, almost one hundred scholarships were awarded on the night which all included music entrance and engineering. scholars For more information about the range of undergraduate scholarships at Maynooth University, visit mu.ie/scholarships.

Maynooth University Open Days take place on Saturday 25 April and Saturday 27 June (10am-2pm).