PICTURES: Leitrim students receive their Josie Martin scholarships

Leitrim County Enterprise Fund in association with four Leitrim based Credit Unions of Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton, Carrigallen and Ballinamore have awarded over €114,000 to support students in their third level education, through the Josie Martin Scholarship Fund.

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Four lucky students from around the County were recently awarded scholarships to the value €1,000 each, for the 2025/2026 academic year.  

The Scholarships were originally formed in memory of the late Josie Martin. Josie held the position of the Leitrim County Development Officer. He played a significant role in the early development of the Credit Union movement throughout Leitrim, giving advice and mentoring in establishing and operating Credit Unions. 

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Josie also helped establish the Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, which provided low-cost finance to the local business sector, particularly in the 90’s, at a time when credit was difficult to secure. 

The Fund was primarily supported through the International Fund for Ireland and currently operate the HIVE Carrick, Junction Ballinamore and Lough Allen Education Centre. The scholarships bring these two organisations together to honour the late Josie, while assisting Leitrim students financially in achieving a third level education. 

The Presentation took place at the new offices of Drumshanbo Credit Union. The manager Sharon Sweeny introduced the event and organised an array of delightful refreshments. Camillus Martin and his wife Maureen represented the Martin Family and presented the awards on the night. 

Camillus expressed his delight, that the Fund has continued to acknowledge Josie achievements in supporting this very worthwhile initiative. He wished all the students every success in their future studies and thanked the Local Credit Unions in their support in funding and promoting the awards.  

Enda McGloin LCEF director also addressed the meeting expressing the Leitrim County Enterprise Fund delight in supporting the scholarships. Each of the Credit Unions been represented by their respective Managers and chairperson.

Mr Joe Lowe Secretary of the Leitrim County Enterprise Fund thanked each of the Credit Unions (Ballinamore -Seamus Wisely, Carrigallen- Niamh McHugh, Drumshanbo- Connall Doyle, and Manorhamilton – Lisa Kelly) and hoped that the scholarships will assist somewhat in easing the increasing financial burden of the students in third level education. He outlined all the suitable services available to students through their local Credit Union and urged their families to continue to use their local Credit union, as it is the most competitive and flexible source of finance in the community for all the family needs.

The scholarships were awarded through an open draw process with all applicants having an equal opportunity to win. All applicants were required to be members of their local Credit Union.