A Laois student has been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship from Limerick businessman JP McManus.

Courtney Chambers of Mountrath Community School was honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony on April 25 in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick. 

The Killanure student is one of 125 students across Ireland to be awarded the prestigious scholarship this year. 

Pictured: Board members of the All Ireland Scholarship with the 125 scholarship awardees

Ms Chambers is currently studying Biomedical Science at the University of Galway, pursuing her love of studying science and completing research. She has said that she lives by the mantra, "hard work beats talent".

This scholarship will cover her fees for the full duration of her undergraduate studies. 

"We are proud of Courtney and all she has achieved, it has been a long road to get this far," Courtney's father Tim Chambers told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Lots of hard work and late nights went in, and we didn't see her much throughout the two years as she was always studying in her room!

"A huge thanks to JP McManus for funding the scholarship. It's been a huge financial help to the family and Courtney," he said.

"We are very honoured to have received it," Mr Chambers finished.

Pictured: Courtney Chambers and her family

Mr McManus spoke to attendees at the ceremony, congratulating the students on their hard work.

“I am honoured to be here to celebrate the outstanding academic achievement of these 125 students," Mr McManus said at the ceremony.

"To date, 1,924 students have received an All Ireland Scholarship and 1,382 of those students have since graduated from university.

"Today is a very special occasion for the class of 2024, their families, friends, and teachers. We wish them all the very best as they pursue their studies and university and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come," he finished.

In attendance at the ceremony along with Mr McManus was Cuan CEO Mhuire Bruree, Sr Agnes Fitzgerald, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Director of Skills, Strategy and Policy, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Graeme Wilkinson.

Also on attendance were the family, friends and school representatives of the scholarship recipients.  

Pictured: Courtney Chambers with Mountrath Community School principal Kathryn O'Brien

The All Ireland Scholarships, established by Mr McManus in 2008, provide financial support to gifted students pursuing third-level education.

Each year, 125 scholarships are awarded across the 32 counties of Ireland. Recipients receive €6,750 per annum in Ireland and £5,500 per annum in Northern Ireland, covering the duration of their undergraduate studies. 

The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest – achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each county.

The recipients must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland.

The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.   

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