Three Wicklow scholars are among the 66 students from 21 counties who have been selected to participate in this year’s George Moore Scholars programme delivered by the Ireland Funds.
The three Wicklow scholars will be studying at universities in London.
Launched by The Ireland Funds in 2019, the George Moore Scholars programme invests in the next generation of leaders and innovators by widening access to postgraduate education and extending learning opportunities for students across the island of Ireland.
Andrew Brennan from Delgany will study an MSc in statistics (statistical finance) at Imperial College London.
He attended secondary school locally at Temple Carrig School in Greystones, before completing his undergraduate degree in economics, mathematics, and statistics at University College Dublin.
Aoife Ní Bhriain from Kilmacanogue will study an MSc in pure mathematics at Imperial College London. She studied mathematics at Trinity College Dublin and has been active in the local community as an Irish language officer for the Comhaltas Bhré branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Luke Durac McGowan from Wicklow town will study an MSc in manufacture and commercialisation of stem cell and gene therapies at University College London. He graduated with a BSc in genetics from UCD. He previously went to Gaelcholáiste na Mara in Arklow.
The ethos of the programme is to support people with talent, drive and potential at a key stage in their lives.
In 1972, George Moore received a scholarship to study in the US, which enabled him to become one of the most successful Irish-American businessmen of his generation.
The scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements who share the ambition to make a positive impact in their field of study
The scholarships provide funding towards tuition fees, travel, accommodation and other costs associated with postgraduate study overseas.
Alongside this financial support, the programme offers mentorship and access to a global network of fellow scholars, empowering students to achieve their full potential and contribute to the global community.
President and CEO of The Ireland Funds Caitriona Fottrell said: “The Ireland Funds recognises that talent and ambition should be given every opportunity to flourish.
“Through the George Moore Scholars programme, we are helping to widen access to transformative educational opportunities, enabling students from across Ireland to pursue experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
“We are proud to support this year’s Scholars as they take this important next step and fulfil their potential.”