Abbie Maunsell, a former student at Tullamore College is one of three Offaly natives to receive prestigious entrance scholarships to Maynooth University.

Offaly students awarded Maynooth University entrance scholarships

Published: Wed 4 Mar 2026, 2:27 PM

The significant Leaving Certificate achievements of three former Offaly school students have been acknowledged and celebrated by Maynooth University (MU) at a recent awards ceremony.

The first year students, who began their studies at MU in September 2025, are among almost 50 Maynooth University entrance scholars, each having achieved 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate examination.

Former St. Brendan's Community School, Birr student Patrick MacCartáin (BSc Theoretical Physics and Mathematics degree MH206), former Tullamore College student Abbie Maunsell (BEd Bachelor of Education – Froebel Primary Teaching degree MH001), and former Sacred Heart School, Tullamore student Bláthnaid Sheerin (BSc Biological and Biomedical Sciences degree MH208), enjoyed the celebration of their Leaving Certificate examination success.

The €1,000 entrance scholarship is automatically awarded to incoming first year students, via the CAO, who have obtained 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate.

Former Sacred Heart School student Bláthnaid Sheerin is pictured having received an entrance scholarship to Maynooth University.

The recent ceremony marked the expansion of an established annual tradition designed to support and celebrate entrance scholars (academic scholars) to now include sport scholars. The new wider Scholars Awards Night event brought together entrance scholars, sports scholars, academic leaders and sport development officers from across the University, students, families, educators, sports leaders, and supporters to honour the achievements of this year’s scholarship recipients.

Professor Ronan Farrell, Vice President Academic and Registrar said: “These scholarships represent more than financial support and reflect our belief in the potential of young people and our commitment to helping them pursue their goals.”

Professor Farrell presented each scholar with a bespoke piece of crystal, in recognition of their achievement. School representatives were presented with a plaque. Family members and guests were treated to an evening of music and refreshments. In total, almost 100 scholarships were awarded on the night.