New UCC Quercus Scholars recognised for excellence

29 Oct 2025

• 10 new scholars join 16 existing Quercus Scholars within UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.
• The Quercus Talented Students’ Programme is a scholarship programme that supports and promotes excellence in academia, sport, creative and performing art, active citizenship, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

University College Cork has announced the new recipients of its prestigious Quercus Scholarships for 2025, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic studies, sport, creative and performing arts, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ten new scholars join 16 existing Quercus Scholars within UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, representing the highest number of Quercus students in any college across the university.

This year’s cohort includes UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences’ Academic Scholar Grace Hernan, a third year Applied Psychology BA student from Cork.

In the Creative and Performing Arts category, five students have been awarded Quercus Scholarships for 2025:

• Sophia Breen, Traditional Musician, final year Arts-Music BA, from Mallow
• Valentine Murphy, Creative Writing, first year Bachelor of Arts, from Limerick
• Meabh O’Connell, Traditional Musician, final year Bachelor of Arts-Music (International), from Macroom
• Amhlaoibh Ó Siocháin Ó Beolain, Musician, first year Arts-Music BA, from Kilworth
• Molly Pittendrigh, Musician, first year Arts-Music BA, from Mayo

UCC’s new Quercus Sports Scholars for 2025 are:

• Eoin Downey, Hurling, final year Bachelor of Arts, from Cork
• Heidi Mackin, Soccer, second year Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts BEd, from Cork
• Meabh Murphy, Camogie, final year Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts BEd, from Cork
• Cormac O’Callaghan, Para Cycling, first year Digital Arts and Information Technology BA, from Kinsale

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor John O’Halloran MRIA, President of University College Cork, said: “At University College Cork, we are proud to foster an environment where academic excellence is matched by opportunities for personal and creative growth. Our commitment extends beyond our lecture halls, to the creative expression, active citizenship, and wellbeing of our students. We value the strength that comes from diversity and are proud to recognise students who continue to push boundaries and realise their potential throughout their time here.”

Michèle Power, Manager of the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s new Quercus Scholars and look forward to supporting them in the years ahead as they pursue their studies and continue to grow in their chosen fields.”

“Since its launch in 2014, the Quercus Programme has supported students across a wide range of disciplines including active citizenship, creative art, sport and innovation/entrepreneurship. Many of our past scholars have gone on to achieve national and international recognition in their areas. The programme continues to create a community where talented students can thrive academically, creatively, and personally.”

Learn more about UCC’s Quercus Talented Students' Programme here.