Student at the Carlow campus of SETU receives Walsh Whiskey bursary award

Sami Mobarak-Sadokierski, a second year Brewing and Distilling undergraduate at South East Technological University's (SETU) Carlow Campus, is the eighth recipient of the annual Walsh Whiskey €1,000 bursary. The bursary is awarded by Walsh Whiskey (producers of Writers’ Tears &The Irishman premium whiskeys) to the student with the highest first year grades in the Bachelor of Science in Brewing & Distilling (Honours) course at SETU. The four-year course remains to be the first of its kind in Ireland.

Presenting the bursary, John Griffin, CEO Of Walsh Whiskey, commended Sami on his achievement and highlighted the strong industry ties between Walsh Whiskey and SETU.

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He said, “We are delighted to recognise Sami for his exceptional academic performance. This bursary reflects the high standards set by students in SETU’s Brewing and Distilling programme, which continues to produce graduates of the highest calibre. The Irish whiskey sector has expanded significantly in recent years, growing from just a handful of distilleries a decade ago to over 50 today, with further growth on the horizon. It is essential that institutions like SETU continue to develop industry ready graduates who will drive the future of our sector.”

Dr Sinead Morris, Programme Director for the honours degree in Brewing and Distilling at SETU, also spoke at the event, emphasising the value of industry collaboration in shaping the programme.

She said, “The partnership between SETU and Walsh Whiskey has been instrumental in ensuring that our degree remains industry-focused and relevant. From the programme’s inception, Walsh Whiskey has been a steadfast supporter, playing a crucial role in its development and continuing to invest in our students' futures. The annual Walsh Whiskey bursary is a testament to the strength of this collaboration and the opportunities it creates for our graduates.”

Launched in 2017, the four-year course was developed by SETU in consultation with industry experts, representative organisations, national bodies, and government stakeholders. It is one of only four degrees worldwide to have achieved professional recognition from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). The course blends science, engineering, business, and marketing with research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in the thriving brewing and distilling sector.