TC/0953

Student grant strikes right note for Omagh's Claire

ONE of Omagh's most inspirational young people, Claire Gallagher, who was blinded in the Omagh bombing in 1998, has entered her first year of third level study with a helping hand from the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust.
She is on the first year of a three year degree programme in Music and Psychology at Queen's University, Belfast, with the aim of eventually becoming a music therapist.
While a pupil at Loreto Grammar School in Omagh, the plucky young woman took part in a work experience scheme whereby she worked alongside a music therapist in a local school for children with special needs.
Although blinded by the bombing, Claire is an accomplished musician, and has played at a variety of venues, including the White House and at the Rose of Tralee Festival.
In addition, she has also appeared on the popular Friday night Kelly Show with Phil Coulter, and has performed on his CD, 'Tranquillity Gold'.
Claire was nominated for the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust by Loreto Grammar School, and has been awarded £4,000 a year for three years.
She is one of 60 young students to benefit from the scheme, which is unique in that it recognises ability and potential in individuals who face serious obstacles in life. It is also a means of helping people in overcoming their barriers to fulfil their potential through education.
They are awarded to undergraduates, current undergraduates, mature students and those with exceptional talents in various branches of the arts.
To date the Trust, which was established in November 1999, has awarded 133 scholarships valued at £2.6 million, and over 1,500 applications from students have been received since its inception.
It is anticipated that the Trust will award 60 scholarships each year through to 2010 - making it the largest single Millennium initiative from either State or private sources.