Our Story

Our Story

The All Ireland Scholarships were established by JP McManus in 2008 to provide third-level scholarships to students throughout the island of Ireland.  

The value of each All Ireland Scholarship is set at €6,750 per annum in Ireland and £5,500 per annum in Northern Ireland, and the scholarships apply for the duration of the undergraduate programmes chosen by the scholarship winners.

To date, 1,924 scholarships have been awarded and over 1,300 All Ireland Scholarships winners have already graduated from university.

Alumni Association

The All Ireland Scholarships Alumni Association was founded in 2017 to connect scholarship recipients through different initiatives, programmes, and events including a Mentorship Programme, Creative Writing Competition, monthly newsletter, networking events and social gatherings.

The Alumni Association is spearheaded by a very active committee of All Ireland Scholars with Colette Scariff-Lalor as Chair. The Association’s inaugural AGM was held in February 2025 which included the approval of its constitution. The committee is divided into three subgroups; Engagement, Outreach and Events on a monthly basis and initiatives on behalf of the All Ireland Scholars community.

Mission & Giving Forward

The Association’s mission is to become ‘an internationally recognised community of distinguished scholars across the island of Ireland, united by a commitment to excellence, connection, giving forward, and inspiring pride across generations’.

Established to celebrate All Ireland Scholars and foster a strong, enduring Alumni network, the Association is now entering a new phase — one focused on giving forward. The aim of this new journey is to inspire others, build lasting connections, and create opportunities for future generations. 

Support

With this vision in mind, the Alumni Executive Committee is introducing a modest annual membership fee of €50/£50. This will enable the All Ireland Scholars to: 

• Fund an additional All Ireland Scholarship for a deserving school-leaver, sponsored entirely by the Alumni Association. 
• Host social and networking events that connect Scholars across the island of Ireland. 
• Launch mentorship and professional development programmes to support Alumni in their future studies and careers. 

With this new initiative, the Alumni Association aims to build on the unwavering support and dedication of Sponsor JP McManus to third-level education in Ireland, by strengthening the impact and opportunities provided by the All Ireland Scholarships and carrying forward its legacy. This new scholarship will follow the same selection criteria as the original All Ireland Scholarship. 

Membership registration is now open. Please click HERE to join. 

If you are interested in making a donation to support this worthwhile cause, please click HERE