Laois students awarded full Gaeltacht scholarships

Portlaoise College has announced that six of its students have been awarded full Gaeltacht scholarships for this summer. 

The recipients include fifth-year students James Buggy-McDonald, Abi Dixon and Thomas Fitzpatrick, as well as second-year student Emilija Siugzdinyte, and third-year students Hanna Piotrowska and Marija Goncarenko.

School Principal Noel Daly expressed his delight at the scholarships. 

"The scholarships provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Irish language and culture in the Mayo Gaeltacht, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language among the students.

“We are thrilled to recognize our students' dedication to the Irish language. These highly competitive scholarships offer a unique opportunity for our students to enhance their language skills and broaden their cultural horizons,” he said.

Head of the Irish department,  Ms Elma Phelan, commended the recipients for their commitment to Irish language learning. 

'It's wonderful to see our students' hard work and passion for the language being rewarded. These scholarships will undoubtedly enrich their language learning experience and will also be of great benefit to the students as they continue their study of the language in the future,” she said. 

Portlaoise College see the study of Irish as of utmost importance, not only for its cultural significance but also for its role in preserving Ireland's identity and heritage. Through the study of Irish, students gain a deeper appreciation for their country's rich linguistic and cultural heritage. It fosters a sense of pride and connection to Ireland's past while also equipping students with valuable language skills. 

Portlaoise College extended congratulations to James, Abi, Thomas, Emilija, Hanna, and Marija on their achievement and wished them a rewarding experience in the Gaeltacht this summer. The school community are looking forward to hearing all about their wonderful experiences when they return to school in September.