Third Level Bursary

The Carmel Whelan Memorial Bursary was designed to support one of our members entering a full-time, third level degree course. The course must be at Fetac level 7 (ordinary degree) or above. Members must be entering first year of a three year course or second year of a four year course. The member must have an active credit union account with at least four deposits to their account in the year of application.

This is a straight draw between all eligible* members and does not depend on academic achievement. The draw is open to members who are school-leavers and to members taking a degree programme as a mature student (if this is their first time to take up third level education).

The bursary is for €4,500 payable in three instalments of €1,500 over three years. The student should attain good results and provide proof of progression into the next year to drawdown the year 2 and year 3 bursary payments.

Application forms for the bursary draw this year will be available in both offices by August 31st for members hoping to enter college in September/October. The closing date for 2017 applications will be the 14th October. Proof of course acceptance and details of the course should accompany applications for them to be considered.

*Eligibility for the draw is strictly subject to the rules. The full set of rules is available on the application form.

Winner of the 2016 Bursary

Daire MacGabhann was the winner of the 2016 bursary. Daire was commencing a Bachelors degree in Commerce in UCD.

Winner of the 2015 Bursary

Pictured: Claire D’Arcy 2015 Bursary winner

Claire is a past pupil of St. Josephs College in Lucan. She going into her 2nd year of a business degree in ITB (Institute of Technology Blanchardstown).

Winner of the 2014 Bursary

Pictured: Niamh Williams (L) & Paula Maguire CEO (R)

Niamh is a past pupil of King’s Hospital secondary school. She was undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Physiotherapy at Northumberland University in the UK.

Winner of the 2013 Bursary

Pictured: Alan Shannon and Paula Maguire

Alan is a past pupil of Lucan Community College. He was undertaking a degree in timber product technology in Bolton Street Tech.

Carmel Whelan

Pictured: Carmel Whelan

Carmel was a founding member of Lucan District Credit Union in 1968. She served on the board of the credit union, in various capacities, for 5 years. In 1973 she became the first full-time manager of the credit union.

During her time with the credit union Carmel saw much change with the rapid growth of Lucan itself and the growth in membership. She oversaw the introduction of the first computer system for the credit union in 1986.

Carmel was dedicated to the credit union movement and to the development of Lucan District Credit Union for 24 years.