A number of Inishowen
students were among 30 pupils who received full
Gaeltacht summer scholarships last night as part of
an annual Donegal County Council scheme.
The scholarships were presented by Cathaoirleach of
Donegal County Council, Cllr Terence Slowey at
Letterkenny Public Services Centre.
The Gaeltacht colleges support the Donegal County
Council Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme with joint
funding allocated from each.
The total value of the scholarships can come to more
than €20,000 annually depending on the duration of
the courses selected by the successful applicants.
The scheme has seen more than 600 students attend
the Gaeltacht in the last 20 years.
The summer colleges "play a huge role in the
economic life of the Gaeltacht, bringing jobs,
income, retail customers and greater use of
services", a council spokesperson said.
"In return, the pupils get steeped in the rich
native language of the Gaeltacht and get a flavour
of community and home life in the Gaeltacht.
"In addition to the courses and classes, many of the
colleges offer a wide range of social events,
activities, sports etc. Most of the courses take
place throughout the months of June, July and early
August," the spokesperson added. Among the students
who received a scholarship last night were Nia
Murphy from Buncrana along with Katie Mai Mooney and
Finín MacLochlainn from Carndonagh. |