Thirty-three GAA athletes across Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie were awarded the first UL GAA – Bank of Ireland High Performance Scholarships at the University of Limerick this week.
Speaking at the event, UL President, Professor Don Barry said; “At UL, we are very proud indeed of our students’ achievements both academically and in the field of sport and we recognise that we are lucky to have some of the country’s greatest sports stars studying and training here. The UL GAA – Bank of Ireland High Performance Programme has been developed to support our sports stars in their ongoing commitment to scholarship, club and county.”
Also speaking at the event, Liam Sheedy, Bank of Ireland and former Tipperary hurling manager said; ““We are pleased to support the UL GAA high performance programme. The opportunity that it gives scholars to continue their studies, while working to realise their sporting potential, is something we are proud to be associated with and place a huge value on. The University, and the surrounding region is a very important market for us and we are available to provide support to all students as they move through the various stages of their lives”
The UL GAA – Bank of Ireland High Performance Programme will provide students with financial assistance, as well as free access to the top class sports facilities in UL and a range of performance services and supports. There will be strict guidelines for awarding the Scholarships. Players in receipt of a Scholarship will be reassessed annually. Continuance in the High Performance Programme is dependent on maintaining a high level of performance and meeting the standards and targets set within the programme.
Deirdre Murphy, UL GAA Officer said; “Bank of Ireland’s sponsorship of this programme is a fantastic boost to UL GAA and will make a major difference in the lives of our top players who give us, their clubs and counties so much while balancing the academic demands of 3rd level education.’
Among the scholarship recipients are All Ireland winners Julia White (Cork Senior Camogie 2014) Shane O’Callaghan (Kerry Senior Football Extended Panel 2014), Tony Kelly, David McInerney, Jack Browne, Cathal McInerney (Clare Senior Hurling Winners 2013, U21 2012,’13 & ‘14), Antoin McFadden, Daniel McLaughlin (Donegal Senior Football Winners 2013), Orlaith McGrath (Galway Senior Winners 2013) Shane Ryan (Kerry Minor 2014) U21 All Star Jason Forde.
Also at the awards ceremony, representatives of All Ireland winning teams with links to the University of Limerick were honoured including: Padraig Walsh, Kilkenny All Ireland Hurling Champion and graduate of Arts in 2014 at UL, Maria Walsh – Cork Senior Camogie All Ireland Winner and 2012 graduate in Physical Education and Maths in 2012 at UL, Valerie Mulcahy, Cork Senior Ladies Football All Ireland Winner, and graduate of Physical Education and Irish at UL.
