Brendan Hopkins, who was a director of then Castlebar Credit Union (now First Choice Credit Union) for 18 years, died tragically in a car accident in 2002. As a mark of appreciation of his dedicated work and in order to perpetuate his memory, the board of directors approached his family and GMIT Castlebar with a view to setting up the scholarship scheme.

This scholarship is run in partnership with GMIT Castlebar Campus, and assists three students with costs associated with their studies. Annually, three students are selected by a committee to receive a scholarship each of €1,500, along with being awarded the Brendan Hopkins/First Choice Credit Union certificate. Since the scholarship began 16 years ago, it has helped over 40 students cover the costs of their studies.

For further information on the First Choice Credit Union Brendan Hopkins Scholarship, please contact Student Services in GMIT Mayo Campus.

2018 Recipients

Jordan Ayoma, 4th year Accounting, centre receiving his First Choice Credit Union Brendan Hopkins Scholarship in GMIT Mayo Campus, Castlebar. Also in the photograph are from left to right: Justin Kerr, Head of Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Care, GMIT; James McLoughlin, Chairman, First Choice Credit Union; Daniel Caldwell, GMIT Chaplain; Jordan Ayoma; Majella Allen, GMIT; Anne Donnelly, Student Services Officer, GMIT; and Anne King, CEO, First Choice Credit union. Photo : Keith Heneghan

Alice Corley, Castlebar, 1st year, Applied Social Care, centre receiving her First Choice Credit Union Brendan Hopkins Scholarship in GMIT Mayo Campus, Castlebar. Also in the photograph are from left to right: Justin Kerr, Head of Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Care, GMIT; James McLoughlin, Chairman, First Choice Credit Union; Davy Walsh, Lecturer, GMIT; Alice Corley; Michelle Kerins O’Brien, GMIT Counsellor; Anne Donnelly, Student Services Officer, GMIT; and Anne King, CEO, First Choice Credit union. Photo : Keith Heneghan

Andrew Rigney (centre) receiving his First Choice Credit Union Brendan Hopkins Scholarship in First Choice Credit Union recently. Also in the photograph from left to right: Daniel Caldwell (GMIT chaplain), Paula Hopkins, Ina Hopkins, and Peter McNally (IT Manager, First Choice Credit Union).