Castlebar woman wins scholarship
Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Council, Cllr John O’ Hara, presenting Ce’Nedra Cullen O'Brien with her award, accompanied by members of Oonagh’s family and Mayo Co Council officials, from left: Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo Co Council; Ita Kelleher, sister; Caoimhín Ó Súilleabháin, husband; Ce’Nedra Cullen-O’Brien; Siobhán Kelleher, sister; Fionnuala Nic Pháidín, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Mayo Co Council; Austin Vaughan, County Librarian, Mayo Co Council.
Ce’Nedra Cullen-O’Brien has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin (Ní Chéileachair) Memorial Scholarship.
Castlebar native Ce’Nedra is the first recipient of this award, which has been established by Mayo Co Council to support students who are active in the promotion of the Irish Language and Irish Language arts.
A past pupil of Scoil Raifteirí and St Joseph’s, she is currently a student on the Professional Master of Education in Maynooth University, where she is an active member of Cuallacht Cholm Cille and Gaeilge Nuada.
Ce’Nedra has produced both creative writing and short film works in Irish and plans to use this scholarship to support the development of an Irish-language animation for primary school children, focusing on Mayo myths and legends.
As the 2024-2025 awardee, Ce’Nedra will receive a bursary of €3,000, funded by Creative Communities Mayo, as well as development support from Mayo Co Council’s Irish Language Office.
Presenting the trophy, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Hara said: “I would like to say ‘Comhghairdeachas ó chroí’ to Ce’Nedra on her achievements and wish her the best of luck in her year ahead promoting the Irish language in Mayo.
“Education is a gift, and I am delighted that Mayo Co Council is supporting students through this award."
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services with Mayo Co Council, added: “This has been such a positive initiative to work on in memory of Oonagh’s commitment to the Irish language, the arts and local communities.
“I would like to thank Oonagh’s husband and family, our external panel of judges, and our colleagues across the council who have made this award possible."
The council's Oifigeach Gaeilge, Fionnuala Nic Pháidín, commented: “The high level of interest in this scholarship shows us just how committed students in Mayo are to the promotion and protection of the Irish language.
"Tá súil againn go mbeidh an scéim seo ag dul ó neart go neart sna blianta atá romhainn.”
Oonagh’s family have also commissioned a perpetual trophy and individual awards, made of Longford bog oak, which will be awarded to recipients each year, representing Oonagh’s love of nature, her home county, and the Irish Language.
