Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union Announces First Scholarship Fund Winners

Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union is delighted to announce the recipients of its inaugural Scholarship Fund, with three local sixth-year students each receiving €1,000 towards their future education expenses.

The Scholarship Fund was established to support young people in our community as they take the next step in their educational journey. The initiative recognises not only academic achievement but also ambition, commitment, and the positive contribution young people make to their schools and local community.

Originally, the Scholarship Fund was intended to award two scholarships. However, the exceptionally high standard of applications received made the judging process incredibly difficult. In recognition of the outstanding calibre of applicants, Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union made the decision to award a third scholarship this year.

This year's recipients, Jessica Moroney, Henri Culleton and Katelyn Phelan were selected from a strong field of applicants, each demonstrating dedication, ambition, and a commitment to achieving their educational goals.

Supporting Future Success

As students prepare to begin the next chapter of their education, the costs associated with further study can be significant. Through the Scholarship Fund, Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union hopes to help ease some of that financial burden while encouraging students to pursue their goals with confidence.

"We are delighted to support these three outstanding young people as they embark on the next stage of their educational journey," said Pat Dunphy, CEO.

“As a local, not-for-profit financial co-operative, we have always been about supporting and investing in our community and specifically the future of our young people.

This year we are proud to be launching our new Scholarship Fund, which reflects our commitment to encouraging education, recognising hard work and investing in the next generation of leaders, thinkers and change makers within our community.

To all the students who applied, you inspire with your dedication, ambition and determination. We believe education and further training can open doors, give confidence and provide a strong foundation for the future. We hope these awards will help support our successful recipients as they take the next step in their educational journey.”

Again, congratulations to our three well deserving scholarship recipients and to all of this year’s applicants for all you have accomplished to date. Thanks also to the families, teachers and school staff who continue to encourage and support our young people.”

We in Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union are delighted to play a small part of their educational journey and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented generation.

Right to left: Henri Culleton, Jessica Moroney and Katelyn Phelan.

Meet our Scholarship Award Winners

Jessica Moroney

Jessica Moroney recently completed sixth year at Comeragh College and plans to study Psychology at South East Technological University.

Jessica says that she has chosen this course due to her interest in “learning about people and their behaviours” highlighting the importance of psychology in giving you “a better understanding of the people that are surrounding you.”

Jessica notes that the funding will be a “huge help” to her and her family in paying for the cost of her course, stating that “it takes the stress away from coming up with the finance to afford it.”

Looking ahead, Jessica says she is “excited to learn more about psychology” and has aims to become a clinical psychologist in the future.

On her advice for those thinking of applying for the 2027 Scholarship Fund, Jessica says:

It’s 100% worth applying. It’s a great help to anyone who needs it!"

Henri Culleton

Having recently completed sixth year at Edmund Rice Secondary School, Henri Culleton will look to begin an apprenticeship in fabrication at SOLAS this autumn.

Their enthusiasm for the subject grew through experience, as he has been working part-time for a fabricator over the past 3 years, which has inspired him to pursue it at third level.

Reflecting on receiving the scholarship, Henri said, "I was absolutely delighted to be awarded the €1000 scholarship” noting that the funding will help him to cover the cost of tools and the first phase of his SOLAS apprenticeship.

As they look to the future, Henri hopes to make the most of his apprenticeship by “learning new skills” during his on-the-job training, with ambitions of using these skills to eventually own his own business in the future.

For next year's applicants, Henri had this to say:

"Receiving support from Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union is of great financial benefit. Just apply. You never know!"

Katelyn Phelan

Katelyn Phelan recently completed sixth year at Scoil Mhuire Carrick-on-Suir and plans to study Agricultural Science or Veterinary Medicine at South East Technological University.

On choosing this course, Katelyn says that "I grew up with a great interest in animals and always wanted my career to revolve around them."

Katelyn notes that the funding will "help ease some of the financial pressure that comes with starting college, including the cost of books, study materials, transport and other essential expenses."

In the future, Katelyn hopes to open her own veterinary practice in her local community.

For those thinking about applying for the Scholarship Fund next year, Katelyn says:

"Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward—take the time to complete the application carefully, be honest about your goals and achievements, and give yourself the best chance to win!"

Investing in the Future of Our Community

At Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union, supporting education and community development has always been a core part of our mission. We are proud to invest in the future of local young people and look forward to seeing what our scholarship recipients achieve in the years ahead.

The decision to award a third scholarship reflects the exceptional quality of this year's applicants and reinforces the Credit Union's commitment to recognising and encouraging the talent, dedication, and potential within our local community.

We would like to congratulate all three winners on their achievements and wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.

From everyone at Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union, congratulations again to Jessica, Henri and Katelyn!