Castlebar native announced as inaugural recipient of Mayo Irish language scholarship

Mayo native Ce’Nedra Cullen-O’Brien has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin (Ní Chéileachair) Memorial Scholarship.

A native of Castlebar, Ce’Nedra is the first recipient of this award, which has been established by Mayo County Council to support students who are active in the promotion of the Irish Language and Irish Language arts.

A past pupil of Scoil Raifteirí and St Joseph’s Secondary School in Castlebar, she is currently a student on the Professional Master of Education in Maynooth University, where she is an active member of Cuallacht Cholm Cille and Gaeilge Nuada.

Ce’Nedra has produced both creative writing and short film works in Irish and plans to use this scholarship to support the development of an Irish-language animation for primary school children, focusing on Mayo myths and legends.

As the 2024-2025 awardee, Ce’Nedra will receive a bursary of €3,000, funded by Creative Communities Mayo, as well as development support from Mayo County Council’s Irish Language Office.

Presenting the trophy, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John O’Hara said: “I would like to say ‘Comhghairdeachas ó chroí’ to Ce’Nedra on her achievements and wish her the best of luck in her year ahead promoting the Irish language in Mayo.

“Education is a gift, and I am delighted that Mayo County Council is supporting students through this award,” he said.

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services with Mayo County Council added: “This has been such a positive initiative to work on in memory of Oonagh’s commitment to the Irish language, the arts and local communities.

“I would like to thank Oonagh’s husband and family, our external panel of judges, and our colleagues across the Council who have made this award possible.”

“The high level of interest in this scholarship shows us just how committed students in Mayo are to the promotion and protection of the Irish language,” commented Mayo County Council’s Oifigeach Gaeilge, Fionnuala Nic Pháidín. “Tá súil againn go mbeidh an scéim seo ag dul ó neart go neart sna blianta atá romhainn.”

Oonagh’s family have also commissioned a perpetual trophy and individual awards, made of Longford bog oak, which will be awarded to recipients each year, representing Oonagh’s love of nature, her home county, and the Irish Language.