The scholarship was launched in 2022 as part of UL’s 50ForFifty initiative, a celebration of the university’s first 50 years. The annual scholarship is open to first year undergraduate bachelor of laws (law plus) students in UL.

As winner of the asholarship, Mr Cronin will receive:

• a bursary of €5,000 for the academic year; and
• a position on Matheson’s First Step Programme, a dedicated programme for undergraduate students.

Michael Jackson, Matheson’s managing partner, said: “On behalf of Matheson, I would like to congratulate Ciarán on winning this year’s Matheson Scholarship in Law Plus. At Matheson, we appreciate the value in championing students in the early stages of their careers and I hope that with the help of the Matheson Scholarship in Law Plus and our First Step Programme, Ciarán will broaden and develop new skills that will assist him throughout his legal career. We are pleased to continue this partnership with University of Limerick, further highlighting our commitment to developing talented leaders for the future.”

Sarah Hartnett, director of development, University of Limerick Foundation, commented: “We are very grateful to Matheson for continuing this prestigious scholarship, which provides a truly outstanding opportunity for a Bachelor of Laws (Law Plus) student at UL. The combination of financial assistance and a place on the Matheson First Step Programme is a wonderful way to support students as they embark on their legal careers. It is really great to see a leading international law firm like Matheson playing such an important role in encouraging and mentoring students.”

Mr Cronin said: “I am so grateful for this opportunity given to me by Matheson to participate in their First Step Programme alongside the generous financial reward from the Matheson Scholarship in Law Plus. I feel privileged to have such a great firm investing in me and enabling me to further enhance my journey on practicing in the legal profession. Matheson’s First Step Programme will no doubt have a great impact on my path to a legal career in the years to come. The wisdom already bestowed upon me about the future of a legal career has me ecstatic and so grateful to Matheson for the opportunity.”