Mayo stars among students awarded record number of bursaries by Connacht GAA
A record number of third level students have been awarded bursaries by Connacht GAA, including many from Mayo.
The annual student bursary awards at a ceremony took place in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellent, Bekan, on January 4 last, with all five counties represented in the initiative.
The bursary scheme has been in place for 15 years and awards members of the association who are active members in their higher education club. A record number of 62 promising young Connacht GAA players and administrators have been included in the province’s annual bursary scheme, which provides financial assistance to students who have displayed potential and commitment on the Gaelic games front.
“The purpose of this bursary scheme is to honour young people who have excelled in the GAA,” said Connacht GAA Council games manager Cathal Cregg. “This year we have selected 62 outstanding people, all of whom will contribute to the GAA club and life in their colleges. Not just players, but also young administrators who are involved in their college as team trainers and club officers are also beneficiaries in the scheme.”
Padraig McGourty, chairman of the provincial Third Level Committee and delegate to the National Third Level Committee, thanked the council for the provision of the bursary scheme as it acknowledged the enormous work carried out by students in promoting Gaelic games in the third level sector.
President of the Comhairle Connacht, Vincent Neary, paid tribute to the parents and guardians of these recipients in supporting these young people with both their academic and sporting lives. He complimented the recipients on their achievements to date, and pointed out how important it is that young people strive for a balance with both their studies and sport.
Mr. Neary acknowledged the role of the third level games officers and the various volunteers, both student and staff, in their promotion of Gaelic games in the third level sector.
Mayo recipients include the following: Liam Connor (Crossmolina Deel Rovers/University of Limerick), Oisin Cronin (Balla/University of Limerick), Ciara Durkan (Knockmore/DCU), Sherin El Massry (Westport/Trinity College), Luke Feeney (Ballina Stephenites/University of Galway), Cathal Finnerty (Lahardane MacHales/University of Limerick), Senan Guilfoyle (Eastern Gaels/University of Limerick), Jack Keane (Hollymount-Carramore/University of Galway), John MacMonagle (Castlebar Mitchels/University of Galway), Ava McDonnell (St. Brigid's/University of Galway), Eoin McGreal (Garrymore/University of Limerick), Colm McHale (Moy Davitts/University of Limerick), Jack Melvin (Davitts/University of Limerick), Gavin Murphy (Ballintubber/DCU), Hugh O'Loughlin (Kilmaine/University of Limerick).