Mark Beirne, CEO at Savvi Credit Union and Karen Mooney, Head of Student Support and Welfare at NCI photographed outside NCI’s Mayor Square
We are delighted to share the wonderful news that a National College of Ireland student has been selected by the Savvi Credit Union to be the recipient of this academic year’s John McSweeney Memorial Education Bursary.
About the John McSweeney Memorial Education Bursary
Savvi Credit Union wanted to commemorate its former Chairman, John McSweeney, and his legacy in a meaningful and tangible way. John believed that education was a powerful, transformative tool that could be life-changing for an individual and their families, and that helping people pursue their educational goals would in turn benefit many communities. John was a long-time advocate regarding the need for organisations to provide, where possible, educational support to potential third level students from disadvantaged communities.
Holding the importance and the value that John placed on education at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the idea to create an educational award in his name with the primary objective being “to provide financial support to assist a third level education student from a disadvantaged background,” came to life in the academic year of 2023/2024.
Aims and objectives of this award
The objective of this educational award aligns with Savvi Credit Union’s purpose of “improving the lives of our members,” and “making a positive impact in our communities.”
Proposing an annual financial award of €5,000 for a maximum period of 4 years subject to the satisfactory passing of the prescribed exams, their aim is to partner with participating colleges under the HEAR Programme by offering one HEAR student per year that is eligible for Savvi membership the John McSweeney Bursary.
Celebrating the John McSweeney Memorial Education Bursary at NCI
Based on a presentation to the Savvi Credit Union board by Karen Mooney, Head of Student Support and Welfare at NCI, on the work of National College of Ireland and the students we support. Savvi decided to offer the first bursary for an NCI student this academic year 2024/2025.
On March 5th, 2025, the John McSweeney Bursary was presented by Mark Beirne, CEO at Savvi Credit Union and Angela Kelly, Business Strategy Director at Savvi Credit Union in NCI’s Student Support Hub.
“This is the first Bursary of its kind for NCI and Savvi Credit Union have been incredible to work with to get it off the ground. The team at Savvi Credit Union have taken great care and interest in helping us to select the most deserving student to receive the John McSweeney Bursary. This Bursary will make a life-changing difference to the selected student. I would like to thank Stephen Cleary who supported me with the process of promoting the Bursary to students and shortlisting applicants. I really look forward to continuing to work with Savvi Credit Union over the coming years. I want to thank the McSweeney family who are supporting the bursary in their father’s name. We also wish to say thank you to Mark Beirne and Angela Kelly who were highly involved in the selection process. They have been incredibly supportive of the chosen student, going far beyond just the financial support.” ~ Karen Mooney, Head of Student Support and Welfare at NCI.
NCI’s mission is to “change lives through education," which directly aligns with the values motivating Savvi in supporting people to pursue their educational goals and reach their full potential. Often, the obstacle to third level education is a financial one, and NCI strives to ensure that third level educational is accessible to all.
"Many thanks to Karen Mooney and the NCI team for partnering with us under our ‘John McSweeney Memorial Education Bursary’ in the support of a very worthwhile HEAR student. We are very excited to see how this support scheme helps them grow throughout their time at NCI." ~ Mark Beirne, CEO, Savvi Credit Union.
#ChangingLivesThroughEducation