Limerick college announces winner of Aishling Murphy scholarship

MARY IMMACULATE College (MIC) has announced the winner of the 2025 Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship. 

The acclaimed young uilleann piper, Muireann Meade from Tipperary, has been awarded the scholarship. 

Now in its third year, the scholarship honours the late MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022, and celebrates her deep love for both teaching and traditional Irish music.

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The scholarship, jointly awarded by MIC and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), is open to first-year Bachelor of Education students who demonstrate exceptional talent in traditional music.

Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC said: “Once again, we acknowledge the memory of MIC graduate Ashling Murphy, whose life was tragically cut short in 2022. As well as being a beloved teacher to the many students, Ashling was a hugely accomplished and gifted traditional musician. 

“We continue to honour her memory through the awarding of a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician embarking on their Bachelor of Education primary teaching programme here at MIC. I wish Muireann the very best with her studies and her music over the next four years,” said Dermot. 

Anne Horan, President of the INTO said: “At the INTO, we are honoured once again to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship in partnership with MIC.

“This scholarship recognises Ashling’s deep love of teaching and of traditional music, as well as her dedication to celebrating and nurturing new talent both inside and outside the classroom,” said Anne.