Student Bursary Donal O'Driscoll

Access Credit Union Launches Student Bursary in Memory of late CEO, Donal O'Driscoll.

One West Cork Student to be Awarded €5,000 Educational Bursary.

Access Credit Union is hoping to alleviate the costs of college or further education for one West Cork student with the launch of its inaugural Donal O’Driscoll Student Bursary to honour the career and achievements of Access Credit Union’s late CEO, Donal O’Driscoll.

The bursary of €5,000 will provide financial support to one individual embarking on third-level education or commencing an apprenticeship this year, and applications are open to all Access Credit Union members.

As somebody who was passionate about education and lifelong learning, Donal actively encouraged Access Credit Union staff to engage in further education and supported those who did. His passion for education spurred Donal himself to return to college in 2014 to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UCC. Throughout his long term as CEO, Donal championed the Credit Union ethos of supporting and empowering members, particularly in the sphere of education.

Speaking at the launch of the bursary, Leo O'Driscoll, Chairperson, Access Credit Union, said, “Donal was passionate about education and lifelong learning, so when we were thinking about ways we could remember him, we felt that he would very much approve of an initiative which would help someone towards their third level or apprenticeship fees. Donal is remembered as a man who was always on hand to support those with ambition and drive and gave countless students their first jobs in the Credit Union over the years. He was a fantastic community man who believed that the Credit Union should be the first place local people could turn to when in financial need or for financial advice, so this bursary is one way we can pay tribute to a very special man.”

Also speaking of the bursary, Catriona O’Driscoll, Donal’s wife, said, “It is very touching that Access Credit Union is remembering Donal with this student bursary. Donal gave so much of his life to the Credit Union, and helping students was something he was passionate about, so he would be proud to know that a student bursary was created in his honour."

Applicants for the bursary must be members of Access Credit Union or open an account to be eligible to apply with a 400-word piece on how the bursary will help your educational journey.

Applications must be submitted no later than Monday 19th September to one of the Access Credit Union branches in Skibbereen, Bandon or Schull or online via www.accesscu.ie/bursary

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