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Claire helps launch Millennium Scholars Trust Scheme for 2002

Omagh girl, Claire Gallagher, who was blinded in the Omagh bomb of August 15, 1998, helped the Bank of Ireland launch the Millennium Scholars Trust Scheme for 2002. Claire was awarded £4,000 per annum for three years as part of the 2001 programme, and is currently pursuing a degree programme in Music and Psychology at Queens University, Belfast, with the aim of becoming a music therapist. While, in secondary school, Claire took part in a work experience scheme, whereby she worked alongside a music therapist in a school for pupils with special needs. Although blinded in the Omagh atrocity, Claire is an accomplished musician and has played in may prestigious venues, including the White House and the Rose of Tralee Festival. In addition, she has appeared with Phil Coulter on the Kelly TV show and has performed on his CD., Tranquility Gold. Claire was nominated for the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust Scheme by her school at the time, Loreto Grammar, Omagh.
The Trust, which was set up in 2000, provides 60 scholarships each year to people with ability and talent and who, because of economic or other barriers, are prevented from further study and from reaching their full potential.
The value of each scholarship can vary from a minimum of £4,000 per annum with an upper limit of £23,000 per candidate over the duration of the course.
Mentoring
In addition to financial assistance, the Trust has established a mentoring programme for students. Mentors are selected from a panel of Bank of Ireland staff who volunteer to lend their time and expertise to help the scholars recognise and develop their own strengths and skills.
Head of marketing, Bank of Ireland, Mr. Ken Dobbin, said: "Since inception, the Trust has provided funding for 133 students, 22 have been awarded to Northern Ireland recipients, allowing them to realise their dream of third level education. "However, the Trust not only exists to provide financial support, the mentoring programme has been established to provide students with help and guidance while in third level education. This programme is a vital ingredient to the Trust going forward and I am confident that it makes a real difference to our scholars."
Study
Participating students have come from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and are studying in colleges throughout the island of Ireland, Britain, Poland and as far away as the United States. Selected fields of study have included the sciences, humanities, creative arts, business, law and many others.
Applications must be made through one of the 730 nominating bodies throughout the country. Nominating bodies include secondary schools and third level institutions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and, youth and community groups, arts and cultural organisations, local development companies and disability groups.
The Trust office, based in the National College of Ireland, administers the Trust on behalf of the seven Trustees and Bank of Ireland. The National College of Ireland has convened expert panels of educationalists and other specialists to carry out assessments, to interview the shortlisted candidates and to make recommendations to the Trustees as to the award of scholarships.
The bank is currently seeking applications for the academic year commencing autumn 2002. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March I and application forms are available from your local Bank of Ireland branch, the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust office at Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Telephone 00 3531 4060500.