A past pupil of Kilrush Community College is one of eleven students from Clare who were awarded prestigious Entrance Exhibition Awards for the 2024/5 academic year from Trinity College Dublin.
Student Brendan Ryan has been accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme at the university. He achieved the highest points among Trinity entrants from his secondary school, above a minimum of 500 points in the Leaving Certificate making him eligible for the award.
Many former awardees have gone on to make a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and political life of Ireland and beyond with past exhibitioners including former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
A total of 84 students from the province of Munster were awarded. The 593 students awarded come from 452 different schools and from 30 counties on the island of Ireland, as well as 38 countries overseas. The awards were recently delivered at three ceremonies at Trinity’s Old Dining Hall, to which the students and their school principals were invited.
Brendan joins other Clare student awardees from Rice College Ennis; St Flannan’s College Ennis; Coláiste Mhuire Ennis; St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla; Scariff Community College; St. Anne’s Community College; St Caimin’s Community School, and Ennistymon Vocational School.
Deputy Principal of Kilrush Community School, Ramona McCarthy said the school is “delighted” to hear that former student Brendan Ryan has been honoured with the prestigious award.
“Brendan completed his Leaving Cert in 2024 and always showed dedication and enthusiasm towards his studies while a student here in KCS. This accolade recognises his exceptional talent and creativity and serves as a strong indicator of a promising future at Trinity College Dublin, setting the stage for further excellence in his forthcoming endeavour.
“This award is a well-deserved recognition of this, and we wish Brendan continued success in his academic endeavours,” she said.
In announcing the names of the 2024/5 awardees, Trinity’s Provost, Dr Linda Doyle, said, “I am delighted that the award winners have chosen Trinity College Dublin for their higher education.
“My own experience of going to university was absolutely transformative and I want nothing less for our students. I encourage them to avail of all that life in Trinity has to offer, from the top-class academic environment to the huge array of clubs and societies, all of which are situated in an outward-looking university with a strong international perspective.
The provost also acknowledged the huge role played by school principals and the wider school community in nurturing the talent of these students.
Sharon Dolan D’Arcy covers West Clare news. After completing a masters in journalism at University of Galway, Sharon worked as a court reporter at the Sligo Weekender. She was also editor of the Athenry News and Views.