Launch of Bank of Ireland's Millennium Scholar's Trust 2006

DANCING HIS WAY TO THE TOP WITH 63 OTHER OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WHO WERE AWARDED BANK OF IRELAND MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIPS

Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars €12.5 million fund makes college dreams a reality for this year's group of exceptional recipients

Hip-hop dance impresario Wesley Kelly was among this year's group of exceptional students to be awarded a Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholarship today, Monday 23rd October 2006. Wesley's dedication to his chosen field of study embodies the spirit of the Millennium Scholars Trust and his steely determination has seen him develop into one of Ireland's most promising dance stars. A winner of three coveted national dance titles over the past number of years, Wesley has recently commenced the final year of a three-year Professional Dance diploma course at the renowned Performers College, Essex. His completion of this course would not have been possible without the help of the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust.

The Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust has awarded 422 scholarships to deserving students since 2000. This year's scholarships total almost €1 million and bring the amount allocated by the Trust to €6.5 million. The Millennium Scholars Trust awards ceremony is a formal celebration that recognises the students' passion, dedication and high achievement in the face of economic, social and other difficulties that would have otherwise have prevented them from entering further education.

Wesley Kelly, Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholar 2006 said; "Dancing is my life's passion and I aspire to a career in commercial musical theatre. My diploma will go a long way to helping me achieve my goal which is why I am delighted to be counted among this year's Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars; without this funding it simply would not have been possible for me to continue to study dance at third level."

Brian Goggin, Group Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland commented: "Since 2000 the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust has been rewarding the dedication and hard work of 3rd level students throughout the country and helping them to achieve their educational ambitions. It is an honour for us to be able to ensure that such deserving and capable individuals get the chance to pursue their dreams and I applaud their efforts to date and wish them the best of luck in their academic ventures."

Scholarship recipients differ widely in profile from freshers to students currently in third level education, and beyond to mature students entering college for the first time. Programmes of study also vary greatly - this year's students are taking up courses in a wide range of disciplines from financial studies, to performing arts.

As well as contributing financial support the Millennium Scholars Trust also provides an invaluable 'Student Mentor' programme that helps to ease the sometimes delicate transition period from secondary school to third level student. A large number of Bank of Ireland staff volunteer as mentors and are assigned a student to whom they provide advice and support on an ongoing basis.

Ends

Date: 23rd October 2006

For Further Information contact:
Dorothy Gray
Millennium Scholars Trust Manager, Bank of Ireland
Ph: (01) 671 2204 or (086) 377 3979

Emer Craig /Paula Mullin
Drury Communications
Ph: (01) 260 5000 / 087 7575482
Email: ecraig@drurycom.com

Note to Editors:The Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust was established in November 1999 to provide substantial funding to talented individuals who wish to pursue further education, but who are prevented from doing so by economic, social or physical barriers. The Bank of Ireland Group has allocated €12.5 million to fund the Trust, which is governed by a board of independent Trustees. It is expected to award 600 scholarships up to 2009, making it the largest single millennium initiative from either State or private sources and the largest privately funded scholarship scheme.

National College of Ireland administer the Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust on behalf of the Bank. Applications for scholarships are supported by over 900 registered Nominating Bodies including schools, universities, local community groups and arts and cultural groups. The Nominating Bodies are key to the high calibre of applications received.