Eighteen scholarship recipients from TUS were not only awarded this year’s TUS Community and Industry Scholarship Awards, but they also received some wise words from All Ireland Champion 2024, Clare Hurler, Peter Duggan.
The students were presented with scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year during a special ceremony, held for the first time at the new TUS Coonagh Campus (Monday, March 24, 2025).
A total of 170 students have received TUS Community and Industry Scholarship Awards since 2014, through a total investment of more than €1.5 million.
Guest speaker at the awards, Peter Duggan, TUS Graduate and All Ireland Champion 2024 with Clare congratulated the scholarship winners and described how his receipt of the scholarship allowed him to focus on his studies and express himself on the hurling pitch.
“I received a scholarship from TUS and the burden it relieved for me was massive. Playing intercounty hurling and studying in college is a very difficult thing. Having the scholarship from TUS meant I didn’t have to work at the weekends, and I could still afford my diesel to travel to college and my food when at college. It gave me a great sense of freedom to be able express myself in a college sense and express myself on the hurling field.”
Sharing his experience moving through his studies and his career in sales to date, Peter concluded: “The one thing I would always say to anyone is whatever you are doing, you don’t have to feel the pressure that it has to be the thing that you do for the rest of your life. Whatever you are doing, you do it 100 per cent and it will open doors to other avenues.”
Speaking at the event, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS said: “We are now entering the second decade of these Scholarship Awards, and they have grown to a €1.5 million fund with 51 Donors supporting over 170 students. Since 2014, those donors and the TUS staff who work with the scholars have made a huge positive impact on people’s lives, while the scholarship recipients themselves have seen the benefit of this support in a very real way in their personal and professional lives, with ripples of consequences going across workplaces, communities and families.
“We are very proud of our recipients. Those who have gone before them have done great things, and I know, today’s recipients will too. I hope that one day, they too will be in a position to help others through this scheme.”
Dr Liam Brown, Vice President Research, Development & Innovation, TUS, thanked the donors for their support. “These scholarships make a meaningful difference to the lives of students, allowing them to focus on their studies, giving them the greatest chance of success. The scholarships are only possible through the generous community and industry support. As well as the donors, I would also like to thank the schools and all TUS staff that help to make this incredible initiative so successful.”
Medical Technology Student John Cusipag described the impact the scholarship programme is having on his life: “This scholarship alleviates the burden of student loans and allows me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial strain. It gives me the chance to immerse myself fully in my education, to explore my passions, and to take advantage of experiences that will shape my career and life.
Accounting and Finance student Coleen Tobin said: “Looking ahead, my goal is to complete the ACCA qualification and pursue a career in accounting or finance. With this scholarship, I feel one step closer to achieving that goal. This scholarship will help me continue my studies without the added stress of financial constraints, allowing me to focus more on excelling in my courses and gaining as much as I can from this incredible opportunity.”
Mechanical Engineering Student John Paz thanked the donors and TUS staff for their mentoring and support: “As a student at TUS, studying Mechanical Engineering BEng Hons course. the scholarship not only eased the financial burden but also brought a sense of relief. This scholarship has been more than just financial aid, it’s been a source of confidence, guidance, and growth. As I near the end of my final year, I know this scholarship has played a key role in helping me get here.”
Last year the scholarship was extended to the Athlone campus to ensure all students at TUS could benefit from the support. The scholarship programme aims to alleviate the strain of financial difficulties experienced by students, so that they can concentrate fully on their education and finish their programme of study.
For further information about the range of TUS scholarships, click here.