Business tycoon JP McManus has presented pupils from his old school in Limerick with student scholarships worth nearly €150,000.
Eight students who achieved the best 2006 Leaving Certificate results at CBS Sexton Street were awarded the scholarships at a lavish ceremony attended by 500 guests in Limerick's Southcourt Hotel.
Last night's gala dinner marked the 10th anniversary of the JP McManus Scholarship Awards, and since its establishment in 1997 the philanthropist has contributed an estimated €1.2 million to the fund at his alma mater.
Each of this year's high achievers will receive €6,000 every year for the duration of their third-level studies.
This year's winners, who intend to study at the University of Limerick (UL) and Mary Immaculate College were: Alan Brereton, Eoin Madigan, Alan McCauliffe, Colm O'Brien, Kevin O'Doherty, Shane O'Reilly, Vijay Slattery and Ross Tuite.
Mr McManus also presented each of the winning students with French-made Michel Herbelin watches in gold and steel to commemorate their achievement.
"My heartiest congratulations go to each and every one of you here tonight - to those who are currently attending or have graduated from third-level college and to this year's winners who are about to start a new chapter in their education," said Mr McManus.
The businessman is known to contribute to various worthy causes in the region. It is understood he was the "mystery" benefactor behind a donation of €5 million in 2004 to the business school at UL.
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin attended the ceremony.