UH/0960

Banking on success
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY

A student helps launch bursary scheme
OMAGH student Claire Gallagher recently had the distinguished role of helping Bank of Ireland launch the Millennium Scholars Trust Scheme for 2002.
She is currently pursuing a degree programme in Music and Psychology at Queen's University, Belfast made possible by being awarded £4,000 per annum for three years as part of last year's bursary scheme.
Claire, who was blinded in the Omagh bomb, was soon to become an inspiration to many people throughout the world when she triumphed over adversity.
An accomplished musician who aims to become a Music Therapist, she quickly became an excellent role model for countless others by the way she courageously faced her disability.
While in secondary school, Claire participated in a work experience scheme working along side a Music Therapist in a local school for children with special needs.
Claire recently played at a variety of venues including The White House and The Rose of Tralee festival.
In addition she has appeared on the Kelly TV Show with Phil Coulter and has performed on his CD 'Tranquility Gold'.
She was nominated for the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust by Lore-to Grammar School, 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.
The bank is currently seeking applications for the academic year commencing autumn 2002.
The closing date for receipt of applications is March 1 and applications are available from local Bank of Ireland branches, or the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust office at Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 telephone 00 35314060500.
Ken Dobbin, Head of Marketing, Bank of Ireland 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."