The seven annual Easter Week Commemoration Scholarships were awarded by the Minister for Education, Mr al Martin, in Dublin yesterday.
The Department of Education awards one scholarship for each of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence.
The winners this year were: Ailish McDermott of Scoil Criost Ri, Portlaoise, Co Laoise; Bruce Samuel Richardson of the Grammar and High School, Sligo; Fiacra Mac Gorain of Colaiste Eoin, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Aidan Mackey of Colaiste Eamonn Ris, Callan, Co Kilkenny; Grainne Mary O'Donnell of the Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry; Clare Kiely of Scoil na Maighdine Muire, Ballina, Co Mayo; and Michael Brian Metcalf of Colaiste Mhichil, Limerick.
The scholarships are awarded for the best Leaving Certificate results in seven groups of subjects. Every candidate who attains at least Grade C3 (Higher Level) in Irish and Grade D3 or higher in at least three other subjects from the approved list is automatically included as a candidate for an award.
Winners are funded with fees, where applicable, and maintenance to pursue one undergraduate and one postgraduate course.