Limerick harpist awarded 2026 Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship

Limerick musician and harpist Aoife Connolly has been named as the recipient of the 2026 Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship.

A first-year Bachelor of Education (B Ed) student at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Aoife is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, specialising in harp, concertina and fiddle. She has won multiple All-Ireland titles, including the U-18 All-Ireland Harp title at Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann in 2024.

She was also one of eight finalists in the 2025 Bonn Óir Seán Ó Riada Competition for harp, broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Speaking about receiving the scholarship, Aoife said: “One of my aspirations as a future teacher is to use music in education to help build every child’s confidence, whether academically, socially or musically, regardless of their abilities or background. I’m very honoured to receive this scholarship, and I look forward to continuing Ashling’s legacy through my teaching and my love of music.”

Now in its fourth year, the scholarship was established in memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, a talented traditional musician and primary school teacher whose life was tragically cut short in January 2022.

Jointly awarded by MIC and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), it recognises first-year Bachelor of Education students who demonstrate exceptional ability in traditional Irish music, honouring Ashling’s shared passion for music and teaching.

Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, said: “Mary Immaculate College and the INTO warmly congratulate Aoife Connolly on being awarded the 2026 Ashling Murphy Scholarship. As a highly accomplished traditional harper who has just begun her studies with us, Aoife is a very deserving recipient, and we look forward to formally presenting her with the scholarship at the College Awards Night on 23 March 2027.”