A 90-year old Irish immigrant originally from the remote Blasket islands has announced a 1,000 euro bursary for Irish language students.
Micheal O'Cearna said the new bursary is aimed at highlighting the importance of education and stimulating interest in the heritage of the Blasket islands.
The bursary will be awarded to one Leaving Certificate student every year, based on their examination results and an interview.
The successful student must achieve a minimum B1 grade in Irish, must sit the Leaving Certificate in Irish and must also be in receipt of an Irish language grant.
Prospective students should also have an interest in the Blasket Islands, and their chosen university course should have some connection to the Blaskets, including areas such as the arts, Irish language, history and related subjects.
Micheal O'Cearna left the Great Blasket Island in 1937 and emigrated to the US in 1948. Today he lives in Springfield, Massachusetts, where many fellow Blasket natives also settled.
5 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.MurrayGirl | Oct 04, 2010, 10:32 PM EDT
Great idea! I recently visited the Blasket Island Center and was very impressed by the legacy of people from the Islands who were involved in the arts.
killowen | Oct 04, 2010, 06:52 PM EDT
Irish gov needs to make work to keep their brainpower to benefit themselves instead of allowing others to gain the benefits of such talented souls. Jon Stewart's ilk who seem to be there and everywhere to lay claim. Frank McCourt's books were triggered by writer friend Singer of Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof stuff.
GeorgeDillon | Oct 04, 2010, 02:49 PM EDT
How many millionaires in Ireland set up scholarships to promote the Irish language? Zero. God Bless this man.
Searlit | Oct 04, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT
What a wonderful thing to do! Irish Champion!
mcdolan | Oct 04, 2010, 11:57 AM EDT
Great idea!