University of Galway has announced the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship recipients – Mental Health Nursing student Meghan Murphy and Medicine student Rayna Cox.

The scholarship honours the enduring legacy of the late Hazel and Tanya Tarpey – two remarkable sisters whose lives inspired countless healthcare workers during their treatment for a rare genetic autoimmune disease.

The Tarpey family established the scholarship in memory of the sisters to support the development of future healthcare professionals. It is awarded to outstanding students committed to enhancing their professional skills through additional studies, beyond the regular curriculum.

In addition to the scholarship, the Tarpey family provides a Tarpey Bursary. This private award, first introduced in 2022, is given annually to two additional students from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway who face financial challenges and might otherwise struggle to continue their studies.

            Tim and Mary Tarpey, parents of Hazel and Tanya, said: “It is a pleasure to give back to the medical community who did so much. We look forward to this event every year to meet the new recipients and reconnect with the friends and healthcare workers who cared so diligently for Hazel and Tanya. This scholarship and bursary ensure that their memory lives on, supporting the future of compassionate healthcare professionals.”

            Professor Tim O’Brien, Established Professor of Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Physician in Endocrinology at HSE West and North-West, and who treated Hazel and Tanya during their time in the hospital said: “The Tarpey Scholarship and Bursary embody the Tarpey family’s extraordinary commitment to supporting students and advancing healthcare. Hazel and Tanya’s legacy lives on through this generosity, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”

            Meghan Murphy, a Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health) student from Mervue, Galway, and recipient of the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship, said: “I am honoured to receive this scholarship in memory of the exceptional Tarpey sisters. This award is a testament to their enduring legacy and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and future career.”

            Rayna Cox, a fourth-year Medicine student from Trinidad and Tabago and recipient of the 2024 Tarpey Scholarship, said: “This scholarship is a powerful encouragement to continue advancing my clinical and academic aspirations. I am deeply grateful to the Tarpey family for their support, which motivates me to contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare.”

The Tarpey family’s contribution ensures that students at University of Galway have the opportunity to excel in their fields while carrying forward the legacy of Hazel and Tanya’s inspiring lives.

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