Limerick college launches new scholarship in memory of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy

LIMERICK'S Mary Immaculate College and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation have launched an entrance scholarship in memory of murdered schoolteacher Ashling Murphy.

The Ashling Murphy Scholarship was launched at the INTO Education Conference which took place at the Tullamore Court Hotel in County Offaly.

The 24-year-old graduated as a primary teacher from Mary Immaculate College just three months before she was tragically killed earlier this year

The Ashling Murphy Scholarship, a bursary (worth €4,000), will be awarded to a first year Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) student for their exceptional achievement and talent in the field of traditional Irish music - see here for more details.

Applications for the scholarship will open on Wednesday, November 30 and the closing date will be September 1 on the year of entry to MIC.

In Pictures: John Kiely 'honoured and humbled' to receive an Honorary Doctorate from UL

Speaking at the announcement of the establishment of the scholarship Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC, said: “In launching this scholarship, we will continue to cherish Ashling’s memory and her many accomplishments, her love of music and her skills as an educator. Ashling exemplified the qualities of what it means to be an excellent primary teacher. She was warm, caring, vivacious, conscientious and so lavishly talented. We’re uniquely fortunate in this country to attract student teachers of Ashling’s calibre and we are pleased that this scholarship in her memory will benefit those who share Ashling’s passions.”

General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, John Boyle added: “Adored by her pupils, respected by her peers and admired by so many in her native County Offaly and beyond, we felt it was important to honour Ashling Murphy's memory in a lasting way. On behalf of our members across the country, we hope this scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to Ashling, her family and all who knew her.”