Mayo county council announce new scholarship launched in memory of Oonagh Uí Shúilleabháin

Mayo County Council has launched a third-level scholarship in memory of former Irish Language Officer, Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin (Ní Chéilleachair).

Ms Uí Shúilleabháin was well-known in the county for her commitment to increasing engagement with the Irish language and for promoting access, inclusion and creative opportunities for communities across Mayo.

This new scholarship draws on these areas, and aims to provide financial support a student who are involved in the promotion of the Irish language, or who are active in the Irish-language arts.

Full-time students from PLC to PhD level may apply, provided they are from Mayo or are currently living in the county. Applications are encouraged from students of all disciplines, not just those who are pursuing Irish-language courses.

The successful awardee will receive a €3,000 bursary for 2024 funded by Creative Ireland, as well as a perpetual trophy and development support from Mayo County Council.

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council said, “Throughout all her work, Oonagh maintained a strong focus on inclusion and on making sure that opportunities to engage with the language were open to all members of the community.

Oonagh was also a champion of the arts and understood the value of creative mediums such as song, drama and literature for fostering engagement with the Irish language. We are delighted to launch this scholarship which celebrates her enormous contribution and encourages Mayo students to continue with this important work”.

Fionnuala Nic Pháidín, Oifigeach Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer) at Mayo County Council said: “Students across Mayo are doing excellent work promoting the language through involvement in community groups, teaching sean-nós singing, producing literature and poetry, and taking active roles in college societies.

This is a unique opportunity for these students to receive recognition and support for their contributions and to further develop their skills. “Austin Vaughan, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Co-ordinator for County Mayo said, "The Irish language and Irish language-based arts are an integral part of Mayo's culture and creativity.

This scholarship embodies Oonagh Uí Shúilleabháin’s passion for the Irish language and her commitment to nurturing a love of the Irish language and creativity in Mayo.

"Further details on this scholarship are available at www.mayo.ie/Gaeilge/ScolaireachtChuimhneachain.

Applications will close on Monday, October 14, 2024.