Liffey Trust

29/05/2026

When The Liffey Trust launched the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship at University College Cork in 2023, the goal was to support ambitious students with entrepreneurial potential and give them the opportunity to develop their ideas, skills, and futures.

Three years later, as our inaugural scholar Hugo Guenebaut completes his final year of support, it’s rewarding to hear firsthand the impact the scholarship has had on his university experience.

“The Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship has provided me with opportunities that I likely would not have had otherwise,” Hugo says.

One of the most significant benefits, he explains, has been the opportunity to build valuable connections. During his second year at UCC, Hugo was invited to speak at the Cork University Foundation Benefactors’ Lunch, where he met professionals working in industries that interest him, including the Head of Engineering at Qualcomm.

“The most significant of these has been the chance to network with remarkable people,” he says. “I was also given the opportunity to meet fellow Scholars in Dublin, where we discussed our respective ventures and skill sets. It was an inspiring experience to be surrounded by such driven and talented students and entrepreneurs.”

Read more on Hugo's journey over on our website below.

When The Liffey Trust launched the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship at University College Cork in 2023, the goal was to support ambitious stu ...

12/05/2026

We are delighted to announce Louisa Tyrrell as this year’s recipient of the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship at University of Galway.

Louisa is a first-year BA student in Human Rights with French, Politics and Sociology, whose impressive record in leadership, advocacy, and public engagement made her a truly deserving recipient.

The scholarship was awarded to Louisa by Aidan Corless, Chairperson of The Liffey Trust at the Aula Maxima.

At The Liffey Trust, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. The Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship continues to honour Séamus’ legacy by recognising young people with the ambition, vision, and drive to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

We look forward to following Louisa’s journey and seeing the positive impact she will make.

This is the fourth consecutive year the scholarship has been presented in partnership with University of Galway IdeasLab, the University’s student innovation hub which empowers students to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.

For incoming first-year students joining University of Galway this September, applications for the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship typically open in October.

01/05/2026

The Liffey Trust, in partnership with University College Cork, is delighted to announce Michal Szczepan as the 2026 recipient of the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship.

During a recent visit to UCC, Chairperson Aidan Corless joined a roundtable discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the role of philanthropy in shaping future leaders, marking the announcement of this year’s scholar.

Michal has demonstrated exceptional initiative, resilience, and leadership, from launching early ventures to co-founding an emerging EdTech startup, Ganzy. His journey reflects the ambition and problem-solving mindset the scholarship is designed to support.

The scholarship continues to play a vital role in empowering students to engage with UCC’s innovation ecosystem, helping them develop ideas with real societal impact.

Read more about Aidan’s visit and our 2026 scholar below.

The Liffey Trust, in partnership with University College Cork is delighted to announce Michal Szczepan as the 2026 recipient of The Dr Séamus McDermott Entr ...

16/02/2026

Empowering Students Through Education: The Liffey Trust Supports James's Street Cbs Jamebo Laboratory Upgrade.

The Liffey Trust is delighted to share the exciting news of the newly upgraded science laboratory at CBS James’s Street, made possible through our recent donation as part of our DEIS School Initiative.

This project represents far more than a refurbishment — it is an investment in opportunity, potential, and the future of young people in Dublin’s inner city.

The Liffey Trust made a conscious decision to reach out and provide support to schools in areas of disadvantage.

DEIS schools are those identified as serving communities where students may not have access to the same resources and educational opportunities as others. These schools play a vital role in helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

At The Liffey Trust, we believe that every student deserves access to high-quality learning environments — especially in subjects like science, technology, and innovation, which open doors to future careers and lifelong achievement.

This donation forms part of our wider mission to continue supporting projects that make a real difference in the lives of young people and families across Dublin.

We look forward to seeing the incredible work and discoveries that will come from this newly upgraded laboratory in the years ahead.

13/02/2026

We are delighted to announce that this year, The Liffey Trust Enterprise Centre has awarded three €10,000 scholarships to entrepreneurs resident in Ireland who are participating in Trinity Business School's MBA programme.

The Trinity MBA is an intensive, project-based programme designed for individuals seeking to accelerate their career path or transition into a new industry. Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of the Trinity MBA, with an entrepreneurial mindset woven throughout every module.

Read more about our scholarship donations over on our website below.

We are delighted to announce that this year, The Liffey Trust Enterprise Centre has awarded three €10,000 scholarships to entrepreneurs resident in Ireland ...

13/02/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurship Scholarship, supported by the management of The Liffey Trust.

To honour the incredible contribution of Séamus McDermott to entrepreneurship in Ireland, The Liffey Trust provides scholarships for entrepreneurs resident in Ireland who are undertaking The Trinity MBA. These awards support proven entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, and SME owners and managers who are making a real impact on the economy and society.

Pictured (left to right): Fei Guan (Executive MBA 2025/27), Michael Piercy (Executive MBA 2025/27), Aidan Corless, Michelle McDermott (The Liffey Trust) and Shubham Joshi (Flexible Executive MBA 2025/27).

Want to learn more? Hear from a past McDermott Scholar: Gavin Duffy (Executive MBA ’22) shares what receiving the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurship Scholarship meant for his MBA journey: https://bit.ly/4qB9Mb9