Clinton visit hailed as ‘god-send’ to Mid-West

The news that former US president Bill Clinton will visit Limerick to present third-level scholarships has been hailed as “a god-send” to the Mid-West.

He will be guest of honour at the JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship awards ceremony at the University Concert Hall on Nov 17.

Mr Clinton, who visited Limerick in 1998 when in office, will present scholarships to 125 students from North and South.

Sponsored by JP McManus, the educational bursary will fund students who completed their Leaving Certificate/A-level examinations in 2012.

Limerick-based Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said: “This is brilliant news for both JP McManus, the scholarship recipients and the wider community. It’s always good news to hear Bill Clinton is coming as he is a figure of huge influence across the US.”

After his visit to the Global Irish Forum in Dublin he organised a major economic meeting in the US where the Government and leaders of Irish industry were able to set out investment opportunities in Ireland to some of the most influential business leaders in the US.

“I would hope that during this visit, the business and tourism community in the Mid-West will get an opportunity to engage with him, particularly in the context of next year’s Gathering, which promisesto be a massive attraction for Irish-Americans to visit Ireland.”

Gordon Kearney, president of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, described news of the Clinton visit as “a god-send”.

“Bill Clinton has a great love of Ireland and has done so much for peace in this country. I would hope the business community will get a chance to meet with him as it could be hugely important in broadening our already huge links with business in the US.”

JP McManus last night said: “We are delighted President Clinton will be our guest of honour at this year’s celebration of the scholarship winners. The name Bill Clinton has a special resonance for Irish people everywhere. We are truly honoured he is supporting our event.”

The scholarships, established in 2008, are worth €6,750 per annum for recipients from the Republic and £5,500 for those from the North.

The scholarships continue for the duration of the undergraduate programmes chosen by the winners.