After graduating from Ireland’s University of Limerick last May, Méabh Hartney intended to use her dual undergraduate degree in law and accounting to pursue a career at an accounting firm. Then came the letter that changed those plans: Hartney found out in June that she had been chosen as the next Conlisk Scholar, enabling her to enroll in a graduate program at Fairfield Dolan.

“My mom read me the letter over the phone, and I couldn’t believe it,” Hartney recalled, adding that when she first heard of the scholarship, she had thought it was too good to be true. “Then I spoke with a former Conlisk Scholar who encouraged me to apply.”

The prestigious Rev. John M. Conlisk Scholarship was created more than 20 years ago to enhance job opportunities for business students from Ireland. It provides tuition, housing, books, and medical insurance for a year of study at the Dolan School of Business. Led by Kevin Conlisk ’66, a former Board of Trustees member, many of the founding scholarship committee members are first- or second-generation Irish Americans.

Hartney, who was recognized for her academic achievements at her alma mater, is currently enrolled in Dolan’s MS in Business Analytics program. “I think analytics is a fascinating subject,” she said. “It’s especially relevant at the moment, with a lot of job opportunities. Everyone I’ve spoken to speaks very highly of the program.”

Now settled into Barone House, Hartney has met several other Conlisk Scholars and has been welcomed at the Gaelic American Club in town. She’s eager to get involved in campus life; back in Limerick, she volunteered with several organizations, including one that provided meals to refugees.

“Fairfield is such a great town,” Hartney said. “With Covid, I had been in such a small bubble for so long, I wanted to explore and visit other parts of the world.”

While stateside, the newest Conlisk scholar's excursion plans include a train trip to New York City and visits to Boston where she has family. An avid hiker, Hartney also plans to explore some trails in the area. And she’s looking forward to that New England favorite... snow: “That always looks so pretty in pictures.”