The Entrance Exhibition Awards at Trinity College Dublin are a testament to the academic excellence of Ireland’s brightest young minds. First established in 1870 by the esteemed physicist and Provost Humphrey Lloyd, these awards recognize high-achieving students who have earned the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary schools, surpassing a minimum threshold of 500 CAO points or equivalent.

A Longstanding Tradition of Recognition

Since 1985, the selection process for Entrance Exhibitions has been based on performance in public examinations such as the Leaving Certificate. This rigorous evaluation ensures that only the most dedicated and accomplished students are honored.

Awards Ceremony Celebrates Top Students

Last week, eight standout students were presented with their awards at a memorable ceremony held in Trinity’s dining hall. The recipients, including Niamh Donohoe from FCJ, Bunclody, and Mohammed Mohiuddin Hossain from St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, represented a diverse group of schools and regions.

Geographic and Cultural Diversity

This year’s honorees came from 452 different schools, scattered across 30 counties on the island of Ireland and 38 countries overseas. Among past Exhibitioners is former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, a testament to the award’s impact and legacy.

Regional Breakdown of Award Winners

A total of 593 students were awarded Entrance Exhibition honors. Of these, 372 hailed from Leinster, with 236 from Dublin alone. Other notable recipients came from 84 students in Munster, 51 from Connacht, and 40 from Ulster. Additionally, 46 overseas students from nations like Luxembourg, Taiwan, Malta, Bulgaria, and Costa Rica were acknowledged.

Awards and Benefits

Each awardee received a physical medal as well as a €150 book token, supporting their academic endeavors further. These tokens symbolize the College’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning and personal growth.

Words of Encouragement from Trinity’s Provost

Dr. Linda Doyle, Trinity’s Provost, expressed great pride in the chosen students. “I am delighted that the award winners have chosen Trinity College Dublin for their higher education. My own experience of going to university was absolutely transformative, and I want nothing less for our students,” she said.

Dr. Doyle encouraged the recipients to make the most of the rich academic and extracurricular offerings at Trinity. “From the world-class academic environment to a plethora of clubs and societies, there is so much to explore and learn within a globally-minded university,” she added.

Recognizing the School Community’s Role

Provost Doyle also celebrated the pivotal role played by school principals and the broader school community in nurturing the talented individuals who receive these awards. “This year’s Principals’ Forum, held alongside the Entrance Exhibition Awards, focuses on the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence, which I believe will be invaluable to them,” she stated.

As the recipients of these accolades begin their journeys at Trinity, the College seeks to build a vibrant and dynamic community that will undoubtedly shape the future.