A TALENTED Clare musician was awarded this year’s Ashling Murphy Entrance Scholarship to Mary Immaculate College (MIC).
Concertina player Rachel Mahony was given this year’s award, established to honour the memory of the late Ashling Murphy.
Ms Murphy was a primary school teacher and past MIC student who was tragically murdered in January 2022 while out for a run in broad daylight.
Her killer, Josef Puska, was sentenced to life imprisonment last year for the Limerick student’s killing. However he was earlier this year granted legal aid to appeal the sentence in the courts.
The MIC memorial scholarship recognises Ashling’s twin loves of traditional Irish music and teaching, and is open to First Year Bachelor of Education students who have shown exceptional talents as traditional Irish music players.
This year’s awardee, Rachel Mahony, hails from Ennis and is an award-winning musician and aspiring primary school teacher.
Ms Mahony plays concertina and piano, with numerous wins at the Fleadh Cheoil, including first place in both solo and group competitions under her belt.
Accepting the scholarship, Ms Mahony said that Irish traditional music has been a driving force in her life for many years.
“I am delighted to receive the scholarship founded in Ashling’s memory. My passion for Irish traditional music has been a driving force in my life. I regularly attend festivals, fleadhs, and other events across the country, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect with fellow musicians of all ages.
“These friendships, formed through a shared love of music, are as significant to me as the music itself,” the Clare student said.
Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, said that it is an honour to remember the late Ashling Murphy.
“Ashling, as we all know, was a hugely talented traditional musician in addition to being a beloved teacher to all those fortunate enough to have had her as one during her short career,” Prof Nestor said.
The award was presented to Rachel by Ashling Murphy’s parents Ray and Katheleen, and her sister Amy.
Carmel Browne, President of the INTO, said that “we at the INTO are honoured to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship in partnership with Mary Immaculate College. As INTO President this year, it is a special privilege to be closely involved with the award.”
