Anna Connors

University of Galway student Anna Connors, from Ballinalee in Co Longford, has been awarded the €10,000 bursary in recognition of her commitment to renewable energy and sustainability through her studies in the area of energy systems engineering.

Established in memory of late Arthur Cox partner Niamh Burke, the bursary supports students pursuing studies in the field of renewable energy.

Ms Connors will use the bursary to fund a Master’s in energy systems engineering at the University of Galway, beginning in September 2025.

Her academic focus is on the feasibility of harnessing offshore wind and wave energy to meet Ireland’s growing energy demands.

Niamh McGovern, partner and head of energy at Arthur Cox, said: “We are delighted to support Anna Connors as this year’s recipient of the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary.

“Anna’s dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions, particularly in offshore wind and wave energy, reflects the values and vision that Niamh championed throughout her career.

“We are proud to honour Niamh’s legacy by supporting the next generation of leaders in sustainability and climate action.”

Lisa-Anne Crookes, communications manager at Wind Energy Ireland, added: “There are already thousands of jobs in wind energy in Ireland and this is only going to grow. Bursaries like this one help to support and champion the innovators, engineers, ecologists and energy specialists of the future.”

Ms Connors started her engineering degree with a choice of areas to focus on but found herself drawn to the renewable energy side of the industry very quickly.

She said: “Being awarded the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary is such a wonderful honour. It offers incredible financial assistance to further my studies and is an acknowledgement of my potential in Ireland’s energy sector and our country’s enormous wind energy opportunity. 

“It is a true honour to be able to continue the legacy of the late Niamh Burke in furthering study and innovation in the transition of Ireland’s energy sector to a more sustainable future.”

The Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary is administered by Wind Energy Ireland and funded by Arthur Cox.