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In Pictures: People First Credit Union host successful information evening as scholarship now available

Looking after registrations, from left, back: Claire Brophy, Emma Sinnott, Ailish Heffernan, Mary Sexton and Ilze Skuke. Front: Sandra Bergin and Michelle Langton at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.

People First Credit Union held their Free Practical Information Evening for students and their parents, aimed at providing valuable insights for those in 5th Year and 6th Year.

Taking place on Thursday, April 4, at the Killeshin Hotel, the event was enthusiastically received by attendees.

The evening was designed to equip students and parents with essential insights into financial planning, navigating SUSI funding, and making informed career choices, as they prepare for the transition to college life.

With a lineup of esteemed speakers and engaging topics, the event proved to be both informative and inspiring.

One of the highlights of the evening was the keynote address by Louise Cantillon, a renowned TV and radio presenter and wife of Limerick hurler Declan Hannon.

Her journey from education to a thriving media career resonated with the audience, offering valuable perspectives on navigating career paths beyond academia.

Attendees were also treated to insightful presentations from other distinguished speakers:

Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager at People First Credit Union, provided in-depth knowledge on financing third-level education and details about the People First Scholarship Award.

Donnchadh O’Mahony, a Leaving Cert Guidance Counsellor and podcast host, offered valuable advice on making informed career choices and dealing with the challenges of college life.

Cian Power, a Student Budgetary Advisor and former National Taskforce Member on Youth Mental Health, shared expertise on educational supports, funding options, and maintaining mental well-being during the college years.

Throughout the evening, attendees actively engaged with the speakers, participated in free draws, and took advantage of the opportunity to gather insights crucial for their educational journey.

Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager at People First Credit Union, expressed her gratitude to all attendees and speakers, said: “We are thrilled to see such a positive response to our Information Evening.

“It was heartening to witness students and parents actively engaging with the speakers and taking steps towards empowering their educational futures.”

As the event concludes, People First Credit Union encourages all interested individuals to explore the opportunities available, including the People First Scholarship Award.

Applications for scholarships are now open and can be submitted through the People First Credit Union website.

€1,000 will be granted to one leaving cert student in each secondary school within their common bond who is attending college for the first time in 2024.

To apply for the scholarship and other educational initiatives, please visit https://peoplefirstcu.ie/loans/student-loan.

Claire Brophy, Emma Sinnott, Ailish Heffernan, Mary Sexton and Ilze Skuke. Front: Sandra Bergin and Michelle Langton 
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Aisling and Liz Ramsbottom at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Zuzana, Marek and Viktoria Juricek at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Kate Foley from St. Paul’s Monasterevin and Maggie Cronin at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Nasiba and Amani Chehadeh at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Naomi Grant-Akande (Portlaoise College); Ann Grant and Saoirse Grant-Omoregie at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Rufina Colley, Lucy Doyle and Georgina Doyle at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Diane Conroy, Medb Conroy, Polina Acubet and Dena Acubet at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Speakers Carol Murphy, marketing manager People First; Donnchadh O’Mahony, secondary school guidance counsellor and podcaster; Louise Cantillon, tv and radio presenter and Seán Dunne, CEO People First at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Naomi Grant-Akande (Portlaoise College) is presented with her €1,000 scholarship by Sandra Bergin and Belinda Gyves from People First at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Demi Adebiyi (Scoil Chroist Rí) is presented with her €1,000 scholarship by Sandra Bergin and Belinda Gyves from People First at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
The People First Youth committee, from left: Belinda Gyves, Carol Murphy, Emma Sinnott and Sandra Bergin (Julian Nagi missing from photo) at the People First Credit Union Preparing for the Leaving Certificate & Going to College information evening in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

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