Three horticulture students from South East Technological University (SETU) have been announced as the recipients of the 2026 Una McDermott Travel Bursary, a prestigious award that supports students in gaining international horticultural experience.
The bursary honours the legacy of Una McDermott, a passionate horticulturist and former lecturer on the BSc in Horticulture at SETU, and enables students to travel abroad and develop their horticultural knowledge through placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities.
This year, 11 students from across SETU’s horticulture programmes at the National Botanic Gardens and Teagasc Kildalton College applied for the bursary. Following a competitive selection process, six students were shortlisted and invited to interview.
Strong interviews
After a strong round of interviews, three SETU students studying at the National Botanic Gardens were awarded the 2026 Una McDermott Travel Bursaries. In first place was Emma Hill from Dunboyne, Co Meath. Emma will undertake a two-week internship at the renowned Beth Chatto Gardens in the UK, gaining experience in ecological planting and garden management at one of the most influential gardens in modern horticulture.
Emma said, “This bursary will allow me to extend my learning through SETU by providing the opportunity to work with the team at Beth Chatto's Plants and Gardens. I look forward to learning more about the practices used across Beth’s gravel garden, water garden, and nursery, at a time when choosing the ‘right plant for the right place’ is growing in importance in response to the environmental challenges we face. I sincerely thank the family of Una McDermott for trusting me with this opportunity.”
A special word of thanks must go to the funders of the bursary; Una’s siblings Eva Creely, Patricia Billet and Aidan McDermott. Their continued support ensures that Una’s legacy lives on by helping the next generation of horticulturists gain invaluable international experience.
Dr Cara Daly, Programme Director of the BSc in Horticulture
Invaluable experience
In second place is Lydia Champion, from Terenure in Dublin. Lydia is currently completing her professional placement at Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isles of Scilly, one of the most celebrated horticultural sites in Britain.
Reflecting on the experience, Lydia said, “I would like to give my sincere thanks for supporting my adventure at the Tresco Abbey Gardens. It is an invaluable experience that inspires me both professionally and personally, and I am very grateful for their help. I can confidently say that this trip will have long-lasting effects that will benefit me for years to come and I will always remember the generosity of the McDermott family.”
Second time winner
Last but not least is Chelirs Brecq, who also won the Una McDermott Travel Bursary last year. Chelirs, from Birr, Co Offaly, will take part in the Munn Volunteer Programme at Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, Normandy, France, this August, contributing to the care and maintenance of the historic gardens that inspired Monet’s famous paintings.
Chelirs says, “I feel very privileged to be able to avail of this fantastic travel bursary for a second time. It has proved invaluable for my horticultural career, and I'm really looking forward to using the bursary to go work in one of the most beautiful gardens in France.”
Dr Cara Daly, Programme Director of the BSc in Horticulture, praised the students’ enthusiasm and engagement with the bursary this year saying, “I was delighted to see such strong engagement with the Una McDermott Travel Bursary this year. The quality of applications was exceptionally high, making the competition particularly tough. Congratulations to Emma, Lydia and Chelirs on their success, and well done to all of the students who applied and were shortlisted for interview. Opportunities like this show how SETU horticulture students are ready to travel, broaden their knowledge, build confidence and expand their outlook even before they graduate.”
Words of appreciation
Dr Daly also expressed appreciation to the family who continue to support the bursary. “A special word of thanks must go to the funders of the bursary; Una’s siblings Eva Creely, Patricia Billet and Aidan McDermott. Their continued support ensures that Una’s legacy lives on by helping the next generation of horticulturists gain invaluable international experience. This opportunity simply would not be possible without their generosity,” Dr Daly added.
The McDermott family are delighted to see the bursary continuing to support horticulture students as they pursue new opportunities and experiences abroad.
“Una had a deep love of horticulture, and it means a great deal to us to see her passion living on through students who are developing their skills and exploring the wider horticultural world. We hope this year’s recipients Emma, Lydia and Chelirs gain knowledge, confidence and inspiration from their travels, and we look forward to hearing about their experiences,” Eva Creely said.
Experiential learning
Head of the Department of Land Sciences at SETU, Eleanor Kent remarked on another successful year of the bursary saying, “Experiential learning is central to horticultural education, and opportunities such as the Una McDermott Travel Bursary allow students to engage directly with world-class gardens and horticultural practice. The experiences these students gain abroad will enrich not only their own development, but also the learning environment within SETU when they return and share their knowledge with their peers.”
The Una McDermott Travel Bursary continues to provide SETU horticulture students with opportunities to develop professional skills, gain international experience, and connect with leading gardens and horticultural institutions across Europe. Applications for travel in 2027 will be accepted from SETU Horticulture students from November 2026.
