Double scholarship success for County Roscommon student
Anne Gilleran, principal Elphin Community College; winning County Roscommon scholar Stephen Kielty from Elphin Community College; Carmel Naughton; Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD at the 2026 Naughton Foundation Scholarship awards held at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin Pic: Kieran Harnett
A former student and Head Boy at Elphin Community College has received two scholarships in recent weeks.
Stephen Kielty, received the two scholarships as he begins his studies in Engineering at the University of Galway.
Stephen has been awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €24,000 to support his university studies.
He is also the winner of the 2026 Theory & Practice Construction Studies Entrance Scholarship, valued at €3,000. Peter Cusack from Theory & Practice visited the college recently to present Stephen with his trophy and certificate.
Stephen’s rocking chair, crafted from contrasting ash and walnut, showcased his creativity, precision and craftsmanship.
Stephen was presented with the €24,000 Naughton Foundation Scholarship at Trinity College’s Business School, Dublin where founding patron Carmel Naughton was joined by Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health to present winning students with their awards and cheques.
The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards nurture Ireland’s next generation of talent by supporting exceptional students as they pursue third-level degrees in engineering, science, technology and mathematics. Through its continued investment in STEM education, the Foundation is helping to shape the future of Irish innovation while strengthening the country’s global reputation for excellence.
Since its establishment by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 2008, the Naughton Foundation has awarded over €7 million in scholarships to more than 480 exceptional students. Originally launched across just three counties, the programme expanded nationwide in 2016, ensuring at least one €24,000 scholarship is awarded in every county and 11 additional awards allocated. Each scholarship provides €6,000 annually towards a student’s three- or four-year undergraduate degree, with 37 scholarships awarded to students across Ireland this year alone.
The prize winner’s former secondary school, Elphin Community College, was awarded a prize of €1,000 towards the school’s science facilities, for their support of their winning student.
Speaking at the ceremony Carmel Naughton said: “For many years, Martin and I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting some of Ireland's brightest young students through the Naughton Foundation. What began as a shared belief in the importance of education has grown into a wonderful community of scholars, whose achievements continue to inspire us year after year.
"While this is an emotional occasion for our family without Martin here to share it, I can think of no better way to celebrate his life and legacy than by recognising the ambition, dedication and extraordinary potential of this year’s scholarship recipients."
