To help improve the use of Irish language in the community and support local students in their Irish studies, the Kildare County Council Irish Language Committee has awarded scholarships to students from each of the five Municipal Districts in Kildare. This scholarship will enable students to attend the Gaeltacht during the coming summer and play a positive role in supporting their studies for the forthcoming exams as well as encourage their use of conversational Irish within their communities.

All 28 secondary schools in the county were contacted and asked to nominate one 5th year student to be considered for the scholarship. From the numerous nominations received, five recipients were selected.

Monday, 25 April 2016, Mayor Councillor Brendan Weld and Gael Linn spokesperson, Jamie Ó’Tuama awarded scholarships to the following successful students:

1. Frank Gallagher, St. Farnan’s

2. Bridget George, Ardscoil na Tríonóide

3. Tadhg Dempsey, Coláiste Chiaráin

4. Aoife Stapleton, Holy Family

5. Rian Keogh, Meánscoil Iognáid Rís

The council wishes all this year’s winners the very best in their studies going forward.