Learning Beyond Borders

Sinéad de Búrca is in the second year of her BA in World Languages at UCC studying Irish, French, and Italian. A Gaeilgeoir, poet, and active member of an Chuallacht Ghaelach (the Irish Language Society) and the French Society, she is a remarkable student whose works have been published in collections like ANAM Filíocht, Iris Breac and Fighting Words’ Analecta.

This year, Sinéad was the recipient of the inaugural Mary Angela Murphy Memorial Prize in French, made possible by a generous donation from Geraldine (Gerry) Lynch-Couchman BA 1977. Gerry named the prize for her mother, who studied French at UCC in the 1940s, but was never able to study abroad because of the war. She hopes the prize will give exceptional students a helping hand in getting abroad.

It certainly will for Sinéad, who will be studying at l’Université de Caen Normandie in France for the 2026-27 academic year and was kind enough to answer a few questions about her UCC experience and what receiving this prize means to her.

What has your time at UCC been like so far?

I have had an extraordinarily beneficial and transformative time at UCC. It is a joy to be able to study three languages at once under the direction of such excellent academic staff. We are being equipped with essential critical thinking and research skills that are transferable to all domains of life. My classmates are supportive, passionate, highly motivated individuals and I feel I have made true friendships which are utterly invaluable.

I am very fortunate to have been granted a space in Áras Uí Thuama, UCC’s Irish-language accommodation, which has provided me with a welcoming and encouraging community. And this year I got the opportunity to work as co-presenter and editor of Ruaille Buaille in Áras Uí Thuama, a podcast that gives an insight into life as Irish-speaking students.

What are you most looking forward to during your time abroad?

Having attended primary school through English and secondary through Irish, I anticipate the challenge of learning through French. I am thrilled to have the chance to develop my French oral competence, and I am most looking forward to meeting other students passionate about languages and culture.

Do you have any long-term goals or specific career aspirations?

I have always had a great interest in translation and I am currently considering doing the MA in Translation Studies at UCC. I hope to work as a translator or a linguist with a European institution or in another international setting. Additionally, I have taken a great interest in lexicography and mythology as well as second language acquisition and would love to pursue further research and studies in these domains.

What does receiving this prize mean to you personally?

I am thrilled to receive this prize and deeply honoured to be its first recipient. I truly appreciate this kind recognition from the Department of French. The Prize alleviates the financial burden associated with going abroad and I am greatly indebted to Gerry for her utmost generosity.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you or your journey?

I have had a passion for languages for as long as I can remember and I am incredibly fortunate to be able to study World Languages in UCC. This education is truly priceless and has opened my eyes to new perspectives, encouraging me to pursue further personal study in these areas. It has also significantly impacted my poetry by widening the scope of its themes and introducing me to different forms and approaches.

If you would like to discuss a scholarship or prize, please fill out this short interest form or contact foundation@ucc.ie or call +353 (0)21 420 5942.