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12 Feb 2026

PICTURES: Mayo students honoured in ATU’s Entrance Scholarship Awards

The Entrance Scholarship Awards recognise the academic excellence and commitment of ATU’s newest first‑year students

Pictures: Mayo students honoured in ATU’s Entrance Scholarship Awards

Physiotherapy student Orlaith O Boyle from Crossmolina receives her ATU Entrance Scholarship from Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Registrar and Chief Academic Officer.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has awarded Entrance Scholarships to 55 high-achieving first-year students across three ceremonies in Sligo, Galway and Letterkenny. Each recipient was among students who achieved over 550 and up to 625 CAO points, receiving a €500 bursary and a bespoke trophy by ATU Connemara graduate Eoin Kirwan.

ATU now has a student population of over 30,000 and continues to see growth in applications and interest.

The Entrance Scholarship Awards recognise the academic excellence and commitment of ATU’s newest first‑year students. Among those recognised were 11 students from Co Mayo.

Mayo school recipients include:

  • Chloe Gavin — Marketing— Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Westport
  • Matt Lydon — Interior Architecture & Design— Coláiste Muire, Tourmakeady
  • Ellen Jane O’Donnell — Clinical Measurement Physiology— Davitt College, Castlebar
  • Kayla Redmond — Education: Home Economics & Irish— St Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar
  • Eniola Jonathan Dare — Software & Electronic Engineering— Coláiste Geraidh Naofa, Mayo
  • Shauna Dunleavy — Education (Art & Design & Communication Graphics) — Balla Secondary School
  • Fionn English — Mechanical Engineering— Coláiste Pobail Acla, Achill
  • Molly Mc Donagh — Education (Art & Design & Communication Graphics)— St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh
  • Alan Nolan — Product Design— Davitt College, Castlebar
  • Melani Vidosic — General Nursing — Ballinrobe Community School
  • Orlaith O Boyle — Physiotherapy — Coláiste Iosa agus Muire, Crossmolina

Presenting the awards, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said: “I want to extend my congratulations to all the students on their achievement in the Leaving Certificate examination. This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of those students who have achieved high points. As these students progress in their academic journey at the university, we are committed to supporting them in every aspect of university life, and I wish each of them continued success over the next stage of their academic journey.”

Dr Billy Bennett,  ATU Registrar and Chief Academic Officer said: “It is encouraging to see schools from across the country represented among this year’s scholars. ATU will continue to provide the teaching, research opportunities and student supports that allow these students to succeed.”

Dr Michele Glacken, VP for Students, Teaching and Learning, added: “ATU’s Entrance Scholarship Awards recognise students who excelled in their Leaving Certificate. As a Technological University we create pathways, options and supports for all students. These awards form part of a suite of scholarships available across ATU.”

The ceremonies were attended by the students’ families, friends and representatives from their respective secondary schools.

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Ballinrobe Community School graduate Melani Vidosic is honoured with an Entrance Scholarship for her high points achievement in the Leaving Cert last year. Melani is now studying General Nursing at ATU.

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