Tipperary uilleann piper awarded 2025 Ashling Murphy scholarship

Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) have announced that a talented uilleann piper from Tipperary, Muireann Meade, has been awarded the 2025 Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship.

Now in its third year, the scholarship is awarded in memory of Ashling Murphy, who tragically lost her life just months after graduating from MIC as a primary teacher.

Created to honour the 23-year-old Offaly woman's love of both teaching and traditional Irish music, the scholarship is open to first-year Bachelor of Education students who demonstrate exceptional talent in traditional Irish music. It is awarded jointly by MIC and the INTO.

Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, reflected on the significance of the scholarship and the legacy it honours, saying: "Once again, we acknowledge the memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022.

"As well as being a beloved teacher to the many students, Ashling was a hugely accomplished and gifted traditional musician. We continue to honour her memory through the awarding of a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician embarking on their Bachelor of Education primary teaching programme here at MIC. I wish Muireann the very best with her studies and her music over the next four years."

Muireann Meade, from Templemore in Tipperary, is an award-winning traditional musician whose main instrument, the uilleann pipes, has earned her multiple All-Ireland titles. In 2023, she took home first place in both Uilleann Pipes and Slow Air competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

She has appeared on TG4’s Fleadh TV, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and performed at range of Na Píobairí Uileann events, including the Willie Clancy Summer School.

As a long-standing member of the Music Generation Laois Traditional Irish Music Orchestra, Muireann has also taken to the stage at the National Concert Hall, the St Patrick’s Festival in Collins Barracks, and the Fleadh Gig Rig.

Speaking about receiving the scholarship, Muireann reflected on the teachers and experiences that shaped her path: "My interest in education and teaching young people stems from the fantastic teachers I had throughout the years.

"They instilled a love of learning in me, and I wish to pass this down to my students. I’m very honoured to be awarded this scholarship, and I look forward to continuing Ashling’s legacy through my teaching studies and through my music."

Anne Horan, President of the INTO, highlighted the importance of the scholarship and the legacy it preserves: "At the INTO, we are honoured once again to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship in partnership with MIC.

"This scholarship recognises Ashling’s deep love of teaching and of traditional music, as well as her dedication to celebrating and nurturing new talent both inside and outside the classroom."