Mayo student awarded €24,000 Naughton Foundation scholarship
Former St Gerard’s College student is set to study Engineering at the University of Galway
A Mayo student has been awarded a €24,000 scholarship by the Naughton Foundation in recognition of his academic achievement and potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Nevan Lynch, a former student of St Gerard’s College DLS, received the scholarship at an awards ceremony in Trinity College Dublin on Saturday, October 17. He has since taken up a place to study Engineering at the University of Galway.
Nevan was one of 37 students from across Ireland to receive a scholarship this year. Each award provides €6,000 annually towards a three- or four-year undergraduate degree.
As part of the award, St Gerard’s College will also receive €1,000 towards its science facilities in recognition of the school’s support for its successful student.
The Naughton Foundation was established by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 2008 to support talented students pursuing third-level studies in STEM subjects. Since then, it has awarded more than €7 million in scholarships to over 480 students.
Speaking at the ceremony, founding patron Carmel Naughton said the scholars’ achievements continued to inspire the Foundation and reflected the vision she and her late husband had for supporting young people.
“For many years, Martin and I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting some of Ireland's brightest young students through the Naughton Foundation,” she said. “I can think of no better way to celebrate his life and legacy than by recognising the ambition, dedication and extraordinary potential of this year’s scholarship recipients.”
She said the Foundation remained committed to helping develop Ireland’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
“Martin believed these young people would become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and it gives me immense pride to see that vision continue,” she said. “Supporting the next generation of Irish talent is a legacy we are deeply committed to carrying forward.”
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, who attended the ceremony to present the awards, congratulated the recipients, highlighting their academic excellence, curiosity and determination.
She also paid tribute to Martin Naughton’s legacy and the Foundation’s work in giving young people opportunities to realise their ambitions.
“These scholarships celebrate not only academic excellence, but also curiosity, determination and the ambition to make a difference,” Minister MacNeill said.
“Martin was a believer in the importance of education and in providing the youth with a chance to realise their dreams and aspirations,” she added. “Through the Naughton Foundation, Martin and Carmel have done something very special that has made the lives of so many young people better and which will continue to do so in years to come."
The annual scholarship programme expanded nationwide in 2016 and now ensures that at least one €24,000 scholarship is awarded in every county, alongside 11 additional awards.