Roscommon Student Wins €27,000 in Double Scholarship

Hard work and relentless curiosity can open doors beyond an ambitious student's wildest dreams. For Stephen Kielty, that dedication recently paid off with two major scholarships totaling €27,000 to power his engineering aspirations.

The former Elphin Community College head boy from County Roscommon is stepping into university life with incredible momentum. He recently began his undergraduate engineering studies at the University of Galway, backed by national recognition for both his academic excellence and practical craft.

Stephen earned a coveted Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €24,000, which delivers €6,000 each year throughout his degree. Founding patron Carmel Naughton and Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD presented him with the honor at Trinity College Dublin.

During the ceremony, Carmel Naughton reflected on the foundation's mission to nurture Ireland's next generation of thinkers. She praised the passion of this year's 37 nationwide recipients who are preparing to tackle complex global challenges through STEM disciplines.

On top of that major prize, Stephen also captured the 2026 Theory & Practice Construction Studies Entrance Scholarship, valued at €3,000. He secured the award after designing and handcrafting a stunning rocking chair made from contrasting ash and walnut wood.

The recognition honors a rare combination of engineering precision and artistic vision. Peter Cusack from Theory & Practice visited Stephen's secondary school to present him with his trophy and celebrate the milestone.

The Ripple Effect

Stephen's triumph creates lasting opportunities for his entire hometown community. Because of his win, Elphin Community College received a €1,000 grant to upgrade its science laboratories and purchase modern educational resources.

The Naughton Foundation has invested over €7 million in more than 480 gifted students since its launch in 2008. By funding at least one scholar in every Irish county each year, the program continues to ignite passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics nationwide.

As Stephen embarks on his university adventure, his success shows how dedicated mentorship and individual grit build a brighter future for everyone.