Wexford secondary school awarded funding by Aviva Ireland

Selskar College,  a Wexford-based secondary school, has received funding through the 2025 Aviva Broker Community Fund, as Aviva Ireland, brokers and financial advisors continue to support charities and community groups making a difference in their local areas. …

This year, €140,000 was awarded to 58 organisations nationwide. A number of organisations were shortlisted for top awards following 155 broker-nominated entries from across Ireland, with Selskar College among those recognised.

Local Award Recipient 

Community Organisation Category 

Selskar College, nominated by Teresa Bruen of Gallagher, received the top Community Organisation award of €20,000. The funding will be used to upgrade the school’s practical classroom, creating a safer and more accessible learning environment for all students, including those with additional needs and learners in the school’s autism unit.

The project will also provide new laptops to support portfolio development and introduce enhanced STEM resources aimed at building students’ digital and technical capabilities, ensuring every learner has access to a fully equipped and inclusive space.

Participation grants were also awarded to the first 50 eligible entries nationwide, with each organisation receiving €700.

Local Impact and Broker Support 

The Aviva Broker Community Fund enables brokers and financial advisors to nominate charities and community groups delivering vital support to their communities.

A panel comprising of Brian O’Neill (Head of Sponsorship, Sustainability & External Communications, Aviva Ireland), Rachael Larney (Sustainability Executive, Aviva Ireland), Steve McGerr (Sales Director, Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC), Norman Costello (Sales Director, Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland DAC), and guest judge, Bernard Jackman (former rugby player and business consultant) commended the exceptional quality and community impact demonstrated by this year’s finalists.

Commenting on the awards, Brian O’Neill said:

“Every year we’re inspired by the incredible work of the organisations nominated for the Fund by brokers and financial advisors across the country and this year was no exception. The passion and clarity of purpose we see from local groups is exceptional, and it’s a privilege to help advance work that creates real impact on the ground. Congratulations to Selskar College – a worthy award recipient from Co. Wexford, where this funding will make a meaningful difference to their local community.”

About the Aviva Broker Community Fund

Now in its eighth year, the Fund provides brokers with a platform to secure financial support for registered charities and community groups. The 2025 fund totalled €140,000, comprising:

Community category award winner: €20,000 to Selskar College, Co. Wexford
Charity category award winners: €15,000 each to the joint category winners:

– Early Learning Initiative, National College of Ireland, Co. Dublin

– St. Joseph’s Foundation, Co. Cork

Six runner-up awards: €11,000 each
Fifty participation grants: €700 each

The Fund supports initiatives across diversity, equality and inclusion, climate action and financial wellbeing, strengthening the communities where Aviva customers and colleagues live and work.

Awards Summary

Category	Organisation	Nominated by	Brokerage	Award
Charity	Early Learning Initiative	Barry MacDonald	MacDonald Financial Consultants Ltd	€15,000
Charity	St. Josephs Foundation	Brian O’Mara	Brown & Brown	€15,000
Charity	An Cosán	Des Dillon	Le Chéile Group	€11,000
Charity	AK Inspired CLG & Scotia Village	Denis Murphy	Fairstone	€11,000
Community Organisation	Selskar College	Teresa Bruen	Gallagher	€20,000
Community Organisation	St. Marys Rochfortbridge	Cathal Coyle	Byrne Actuaries	€11,000
Community Organisation	Clogher Environmental Group CLG	John Kerrigan	Hastings Insurance	€11,000
Community Organisation	Charleville First Responders	Keith Kavanagh	McCarthy Insurance Group	€11,000