Aoibhín wins Irish language scholarship

THE Local Irish language group, Pobal ar a’n Iúl, have announced the winners of third-level scholarship to young Irish speakers valued at £6,000.

The third-level Irish language scholarship has been won by local student, Aoibhín Kerr. She has been awarded the prestigious Fondúireacht na Feamainne after her application was deemed to be outstanding and a reflection of the hard work and voluntary effort done to promote An Ghaeilge.

Aoibhín attended Coláiste Dhean Mhig Oirc and is now studying for a degree in Gaeloideachas in St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

Briain Mac Cionnaith, cathaoirleach (chairperson) of Coiste Phobal ar a’n Iúl and Fondúireacht na Feamainne sponsor, congratulated the recipient on receiving the Fondúireacht this year.

“Despite the difficulties students endured this year we have a recipient who has demonstrated keen academic ability as well as a willingness to give back to her local community,” he said.

Aoibhín said, “I’m really grateful to receive the scholarship and it’s nice to have my hard work recognised. I hope to use the scholarship to help me get through university but I plan to give back to Pobal ar a’n Iúl through volunteer work.”

Fondúireacht na Feamainne (The Seaweed Trust) was established in 2017 to provide an annual scholarship to encourage local students to undertake a degree in the Irish language.

To date, the scheme has provided funding of £24,000 to assist six recipients in their pursuit of Irish language third level education, as well as encouraging recipients to give back to the community and become involved with the many projects promoting and increasing the profile of the language in the area.

This scholarship is just one of many ways Pobal ar a’n Iúl supports the Irish language in the Omagh area.

The group were set up in 2014 as a branch of Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League) to coordinate Irish language activities in the Omagh area and provide classes, concerts, youth clubs, trips to the Gaeltacht, summer schemes, a walking group, festivals, advocacy on language issues and much more.

l For more information on Pobal ar a’n Iúl or the scholarship follow them Facebook or check out their website www.pobalaraniul.com.