Former Ursuline College Sligo student Aoife Gallagher has been awarded a 2026 Naughton Foundation Scholarship at the annual awards ceremony in Trinity College Dublin on Saturday last.
Aoife is one of 37 exceptional STEM scholars recognised this year for their hard work and dedication. She has since commenced her studies in Biomedical Health & Life Sciences at University College Dublin.
Aoife Gallagher was awarded a €24,000 scholarship at Trinity College’s Business School, Dublin where founding patron Carmel Naughton was joined by Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health to present winning students with their awards and cheques.
The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards nurture Ireland’s next generation of talent by supporting exceptional students as they pursue third-level degrees in engineering, science, technology and mathematics.
Through its continued investment in STEM education, the Foundation is helping to shape the future of Irish innovation while strengthening the country’s global reputation for excellence.
Since its establishment by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 2008, the Naughton Foundation has awarded over €7 million in scholarships to more than 480 exceptional students.
Originally launched across just three counties, the programme expanded nationwide in 2016, ensuring at least one €24,000 scholarship is awarded in every county and 11 additional awards allocated. Each scholarship provides €6,000 annually towards a student’s three- or four-year undergraduate degree, with 37 scholarships awarded to students across Ireland this year alone.
The prize winner’s former secondary school, Ursuline College Sligo, was awarded a prize of €1,000 towards its school’s science facilities, for their support of their winning student.
Speaking at the ceremony Carmel Naughton said “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. What began as a shared belief in the importance of education has grown into a wonderful community of scholars, whose achievements continue to inspire us year after year.
“While this is an emotional occasion for our family without Martin here to share it, 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.
“Martin believed these young people would become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and it gives me immense pride to see that vision continue. Supporting the next generation of Irish talent is a legacy we are deeply committed to carrying forward.”
Minister Carroll MacNeill extended her congratulations to all this year’s winners “These scholarships celebrate not only academic excellence, but also curiosity, determination and the ambition to make a difference. You have given us reason to be hopeful about the future.”
She also paid tribute to Martin Naughton and to the legacy that he has left behind. “Martin was a believer in the importance of education and in providing the youth with a chance to realise their dreams and aspirations. 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.”