Two Mayo students receive prestigious scholarship awards

Mayo students Ali Ahmad and Lucy Sweeney have been presented with scholarship awards by Dublin City University at a ceremony to celebrate memorial and endowed scholarships.

In total, 47 students received awards named in honour of individuals and organisations who have played a key role in the life of Dublin City University and Irish society.

Ali Ahmad from Ballyhaunis, a former student of Ballyhaunis Community School, who is completing a degree in Computer Science at Dublin City University, was awarded the Frank Durkan Memorial Scholarship.

In November 2008, DCU established the Frank Durkan Memorial Scholarship through the support of family and friends of Frank, including Brian O’Dwyer, a current member of DCU Educational Trust’s Advisory Council.

This fund provides scholarship support for Access students from Frank’s native County Mayo.

Lucy Sweeney from Kiltimagh, a former student of Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford, who is completing a degree in Global Business at Dublin City University, was awarded the Aidan McDonnell Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship was established by the telecommunications company Vilicom Ltd. in honour of Aidan McDonnell from Ballina, who passed away in June 2006.

The Aidan McDonnell Memorial Scholarship provides for an annual scholarship on the DCU Access Scholarship Programme for a student from County Mayo.

Speaking at the event, Joe Quinsey, CEO of DCU Educational Trust, commented: "The talent and promise of these students are truly a source of great hope for the future.”