Two Mayo students awarded with scholarships while promoting the Irish language

The Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin (Ní Chéileachair) Memorial Scholarship ceremony was recently held in Castlebar. This initiative honours the legacy of the late Oonagh Ní Shúilleabháin, County Mayo’s first Irish Language Officer. The scholarship recognises and supports young people in Mayo who are actively promoting the Irish language through the arts and community engagement.

The first recipients of the scholarship are Ce’Nedra Cullen-O’Brien and Eibhlín Gallagher, two outstanding students who embody the spirit of creativity, cultural pride, and civic engagement that Oonagh championed throughout her life.

A native of Castlebar, Ce’Nedra Cullen-O’Brien is a graduate of Scoil Raifteirí and St Joseph’s Secondary School and recently completed her Professional Master of Education at Maynooth University. Ce’Nedra is deeply involved in Irish-language arts through her membership with Cumann Cholm Cille and Gaeilge Nuada. She has produced creative writing and short films in Irish and as part of the scholarship created a beautiful Irish-language animation for primary-school children featuring Mayo’s myths and legends.

Hailing from Claremorris, Eibhlín Gallagher has been recognised for her academic and creative achievements. A standout past pupil of Mount St Michael Secondary School, she received a DCU Scholars Award after earning over 600 points in her Leaving Certificate and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education in Gaeilge and German at Dublin City University.  Additionally, Eibhlín has demonstrated leadership and community spirit during her Transition Year by co-founding a mini- company that raised funds for Pieta House through a Darkness Into Light initiative, selling Gaelic football gloves in partnership with local organisations.

The scholarship is funded through Creative Communities Mayo and administered by the Irish Language Office of Mayo County Council. It offers not only financial support but also networking opportunities and a platform for recipients to act as ambassadors for the Irish language in their communities.

A presentation ceremony was held at Áras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, where the recipients were joined by their families, members of Oonagh Ní Shúilleabháin’s family, Mayo County Council staff, and representatives from the arts and library services. The event was a celebration of Oonagh’s enduring legacy and the bright future of Irish-language creativity in Mayo.

Speaking at the event, Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, said: “This scholarship is a living tribute to Oonagh’s life, vision and values. Ce’Nedra and Eibhlín represent the next generation of Irish-language leaders, and we are honoured to support their journey.”

The Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually, continuing to support young people in Mayo who are committed to the Irish language and creative community development.

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