Today (Tuesday 9^th December, 2014) the Bank of Ireland Catherine Judge Memorial Award 2015 launched its call for entries.

The award, which aims to support a new generation of musical talent on the island of Ireland, is seeking applications from talented young musicians who would like to continue their music education at third level.  Applicants must be solo musicians and have achieved a Grade 8 Standard in their chosen instrument.

The 2015 winner will receive a bursary of £5,000 towards their musical studies and, for the first time in the history of the award, their nominated school or society will receive £1,000.

Shortlisted entrants will have the opportunity to perform for some of Ireland’s leading musicians in the wonderful setting of the Great Hall at Queens University, Belfast at the Grand Final in April, 2015.

The award was created as a lasting tribute to Catherine Judge, an employee of Bank of Ireland UK, who passed away in August 2005. Catherine had a great love of music and loved to see young people get opportunities to grow and develop.

Terry McCrudden, Head of Branches - East, Bank of Ireland UK said: "This Award is one of the most exciting opportunities for young musicians on the island of Ireland. It provides young students with a chance to showcase their talents to a new audience and I’m really looking forward to celebrating and enjoying the wealth of musical talent that is out there." 

Abigail McDonagh, winner of the award in 2014 said:  “The Bank of Ireland Catherine Judge Memorial Award is a unique competition set apart from any other as it offers an invaluable musical experience and considerable financial support for young musicians. As well as providing a goal and a performance platform, it creates opportunities which otherwise would not be possible for young music students.”

The closing date for entries is January 12th, 2015.

(ENDS)

For further information about the Catherine Judge Memorial Award and to apply, visit www.boicjma.com. The award is open to all students on the island of Ireland who have achieved Grade 8 standard and the closing date for applications to this year’s Award is January 12^th, 2015.

For media enquiries contact:

John Paice, UK Communications Manager, Group Communications

Bank of Ireland Tel: T:  + 44 (0)117 9432410 / M: + 44 (0)773 9332399

Catherine Agnew, Smarts Communicate, Tel: 02890 395500 / mobile 07779101360

Photograph caption

Today (Tuesday 9^th December, 2014) the Bank of Ireland Catherine Judge Memorial Award 2015 launched its call for entries. The award, is seeking applications from talented young musicians who would like to continue their music education at third level.  Applicants must be solo musicians and have achieved a Grade 8 Standard in their chosen instrument.  The 2015 winner will receive a bursary of £5,000 towards their musical studies and, for the first time in the history of the award, their nominated school or society will receive £1,000. For further information about the Catherine Judge Memorial Award and to apply, visit www.boicjma.com and the closing date for applications to this year’s Award is January 12^th, 2015. Pictured at the launch is Terry McCrudden, Head of Branches East, Bank of Ireland UK with Abigail McDonagh, winner of the award in 2014.