Decision Day for Student Bursary Awards 2025

The decision day for the Student Bursary Scheme was no small feat. We asked three distinguished local figures to help us with the task of selecting six winners from the student applications that flooded into Clonmel Credit Union over the summer months.

Three prominent people, from very different walks of Clonmel life, gathered this morning to sift through the applications, each submission representing the hopes and ambitions of local students preparing for their first steps into third-level education.

The bursary, now in its second year, offers six students €2,000 each to support the rising costs of college life and also a boost of confidence as they begin this exciting new chapter.

Judging Panel - Student Bursary Awards 2025

Introducing the Independent Judging Panel 

Michael O’Loughlin

With a 35-year career in education, Michael is a recently retired Principal from Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, known for its academic excellence. Michael oversaw significant developments, including the new ASD classes and all-weather pitch during his tenure. A champion of young people both in the classroom and on the sports field, for Michael, the bursary is more than a financial award.

With the price of accommodation, for any student starting college, it’s a nice little boost, whether it’s accommodation, fees, travel, or IT services. Any financial assistance relieves a little bit of pressure. It sets students in the right frame for the first few weeks, which can be daunting as many are away from home for the first time.

Laura Jones
Representing Clonmel’s vibrant tourism and community sectors, Laura brought her vast experience of local commerce and professional training as an active member with Tipperary Chamber of Commerce where she served as a Director on the Board for over 8 years and is a Director of County Tipperary Tourism and Chair of Tipperary Skillnet steering committee. With so many high-quality entries to consider, she praised the applicants’ ambition and determination. Laura is an accomplished Sales & Marketing Manager at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel, which is a distinguished property within the esteemed Talbot Collection. With a rich history of over two decades in the hospitality and tourism sector, Laura brings a wealth of expertise in sales, leadership, and operational management.

John Leahy
Well known as a former Tipperary senior hurler and now working in the fields of mental health and education, John brings a unique perspective rooted in sport and wellbeing, with approximately 30 years’ service—both voluntary and professional—in the areas of substance use, treatment, and education.

The Challenge of Choice

The judges spent several hours working through the submissions, and the decision was not easy. As Laura puts it,

Every application had merit and unique strengths; the challenge for us was narrowing it down. There are some very interesting stories and a lot of ambition present in the applications. Some are very clear, focused on where they want to go.

Michael agreed:

You’d love to give awards to them all. Every applicant showed ambition and clarity about their goals. It was a great experience for us to go through the applications and see so many young people involved in their community and extracurricular activities. They showed great leadership skills, and the winners gave us a lovely profile of themselves, with detailed plans for their future.

All applications were anonymised during judging to ensure fairness and impartiality. The judges did not see names or schools until the final decision was made, so when the names were revealed, it was as much of a surprise for the judges as it will be for the winners themselves.

As the 6th Year students across South Tipp eagerly anticipate the results from months of studying, meticulous project work, and community engagement, the decision is now made on who will receive the Clonmel Credit Union Student Bursary Awards 2025.

Meet the Winners

Clonmel Credit Union is proud to announce the six recipients of the 2025 Student Bursary Awards:

• Sarah Smith – Patrician Presentation, Fethard

• Mícheál McMaugh – CBS High School, Clonmel

• Ruben Darcy – Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir

• Ciarán Cotter – Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn

• Róise O’Reilly – Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel

• Ava Flavin – Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel

Each of these students demonstrated outstanding ambition, clarity, and community involvement in their applications. The scores were incredibly close, in one case, the difference between first and second place was just 0.3 points. The judges commend everyone who entered.

Supporting Local Students

For the Credit Union and the judges, this bursary represents much more than a monetary award. It is a recognition of potential, a support for wellbeing, and an investment in the next generation of Clonmel’s community leaders.

Michael summed up the value of the scheme:

It just gives students that little boost as they set off. The first few weeks at college are challenging, but support like this makes a difference. We’re proud to see so many young people showing ambition and leadership in their applications.

John echoed this sentiment:

When young people show an interest in sport, their hobbies, politics, the environment, and their future goals, it’s hugely encouraging. This bursary gives them the platform to pursue those ambitions.
The standard of applications was very high. The winners showed maturity and an understanding of where they want to go in life — academically, in the community, and in sport. My advice for all students is to stay focused, keep yourself motivated, and don’t get sidetracked by outside influences. If you keep your goals to the forefront, you’ll achieve them.

A Bright Future for Clonmel

Every student who applied has a bright future ahead — that much is clear.

While only six bursaries could be awarded, Michael was quick to encourage those who narrowly missed out:

All the students should be commended on their applications. They showed they have a bigger picture of their life, with very clear ambitions. I’d encourage them to pursue those goals, and I wish them every success.

All three judges wished the students well for Friday and for whatever lies ahead. Laura summarised it best:

I wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavours, because they all have very bright futures ahead of them.

Presentation Ceremony

The winners of the Clonmel Credit Union Student Bursary Awards 2025 will be officially recognised at a special presentation event in September at Clonmel Credit Union.

Clonmel Credit Union would like to thank Michael, Laura, and John for their time, thoughtful input, and for helping to select six truly exceptional recipients.