Newcastle student earns scholarship from JP McManus

Newcastle student earns scholarship from JP McManus

13 December 2017

A NEWCASTLE student has been presented with an All Ireland scholarship recognising his commitment to academia and sport.

Aidan Hawkins, who is a former pupil of All Children’s Integrated Primary School and Shimna Integrated College, was presented with a JP McManus Scholarship Award at a ceremony in Limerick.  

One of just two students in County Down to receive an award this year, he was selected for achieving top grades in his A-level subjects of physics, chemistry and maths, which he achieved alongside regular Enduro mountain bike racing across Ireland.

Aidan, who is now studying mechanical engineering at Queen’s University, Belfast, is hoping to work as an engineer in the cycling industry.

“I was over the moon when I found out that I had won an All Ireland Scholarship, and will be forever grateful,” he said.

“I plan to use the opportunity to become a successful engineer working in the cycling industry. 

“As everyone who knows me knows, mountain biking is my passion. I really appreciate the large effort and extra work that all of my A-level teachers put in to support me.” 

Shimna Integrated College principal Kevin Lambe, principal, said staff were delighted for Aidan, who he said was multi-talented. 

“He races Enduro mountain bikes all over Ireland, and frequently podiums at national events,” he said.

“What his friends and all his teachers admire most about Aidan is the way he manages his time to produce outstanding academic work, while still achieving at the highest levels in his sport.”