School marks tenth year of awards

EIGHT students who completed their Leaving Cert exam at Sexton Street Christian Brothers School (CBS), in Limerick, will tonight each receive a JP McManus scholarship worth €4,500 per year, towards their third-level education.

This is the tenth year of the JP McManus scholarships, and, in that time, just over €1 million has been paid out to the students at the school.

Each year the top eight Leaving Cert students at Sexton Street CBS receive the awards. Scholarships this year are going to Alan Brereton, Eoin Madigan, Alan McAuliffe, Colm O’Brien, Kevin O’Doherty, Shane O’Reilly, Vijay Slattery and Ross Tuite.

JP McManus said yesterday: “This year’s scholarship is particularly special as we celebrate the accumulation of 10 years’ hard work and commitment, invested by so many people since the outset of the scholarships in 1997.

“From the beginning, we had always intended the awards would recognise those successful students and their academic achievements at school.

“We also hoped that they would celebrate and reward the efforts made not only by the pupils, but also their parents and teachers, who tutored and supported them through their education.”

Noel Earlie, the school’s principal, said they deeply appreciated what JP McManus was doing for students at his old school.

Mr Earlie said: “We at the school know at first hand the huge benefits this scholarship scheme has brought to our students.

“We take pride in the achievements of all our students and particular delight in the achievements of our scholarship winners.”

Education Minister Mary Hanafin, who will be the guest of honour at tonight’s scholarship ceremony, yesterday said the scholarships reflected a generosity of spirit inherent in the teaching and values of the Christian Brothers.

Ms Hanafin added: “CBS Sexton Street has been a forerunner in providing education for students from all communities in both Limerick city and county.”

She also praised Mr McManus’s “great generosity of spirit”.