Arranmore student JJ O’Donnell wins inaugural Coogan Gallagher Scholarship

Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada student  JJ O’Donnell has been named as the inaugural winner of The Coogan Gallagher Scholarship.

The award is the brainchild of Caroleann Gallagher, who is originally from Aphort, Arranmore, and was one of the first group of pupils to attend Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada in 1990. 

Currently based in Chicago, Caroleann, a partner at Coogan Gallagher PC, set up the scholarship, which will be open every year to all Leaving Certificate Students enrolled at the Gairmscoil. The winner will be rewarded with €3,000 to assist them in their next step at college in education, apprenticeship or further training.

“So Proud to announce the inaugural winner of The Coogan Gallagher Scholarship for Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada,” Caroleann posted from Chicago. “I would have given anything to be there!

“JJ is a very deserving recipient of this award and I'm so proud to recognise him, as a true leader among his school and his community. Since we announced JJ as the winner I've had so many people reach out and tell me what a fine young lad he is, and while I don't know JJ personally, his application and everything he does for Arranmore is what made him a stand out candidate amongst some very tough competition. And while I might not know JJ - as they say back home ‘he comes from fine stock’ and his parents Grace and Denis are true Arranmore leaders too! Congratulations JJ!”

The scholarship competition was open to all Leaving Certificate pupils at the school by means of anonymous application, reference and essay - not based on results - and was solely judged by Caroleann and her partner in law in Chicago, Jim Coogan.