Credit Union helping Noreen to honour Megan's memory

BY BRIAN MOORE

BANTRY Credit Union has awarded their education scholarship to Noreen Crowley from Cloonygorman.

Mother of three sons James, Jason and Dylan and the late beloved Megan, Noreen (43) has been accepted to a full-time honours degree course at UCC in Children’s and General Nursing.

‘I didn’t expect to get the scholarship, I thought it was only available to Leaving Cert students,’ Noreen told The Southern Star.

‘When Megan left us I needed to stay positive and enrolled in the full-time level 5 nursing course at Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai in Bantry and now, with the help of the Credit Union, I am studying at UCC.’

Megan was born with the very rare, progressive and incurable Canavan’s Disease and Noreen cared for Megan full-time until she passed away in February 2018 aged four- and-a-half.

Bantry Credit Union’s chairman Eddie Mullins told The Southern Star: ‘We congratulate Noreen on her courage and determination to return to full-time education and wish her every success in her studies and future career.’

The scholarship scheme has helped students with college fees since 2003 and is worth €6,000 in total – €1,500 a year for four years.

Noreen said: ‘The Credit Union is there for everyone and they are always very helpful and supportive. 

‘Going back to education has helped me transition to normal life and I know that Megan has a plan for me and I want to honour her life.’

‘I want to work with special needs children and especially the Jack and Jill Foundation who were so much help to us. The scholarship helps me to push myself to do my best and   it shows me that the Credit Union believes in me also.’