A record number of third-level student bursaries were awarded by Connacht GAA at a ceremony in the Connacht GAA Centre last Saturday, 3rd January. The bursary scheme has been in place for sixteen years and awards members of the association who are active members of their Higher Education club. 66 promising young Connacht GAA players and administrators, including 27 from Galway, have been included in the province’s annual bursary scheme. All five Connacht counties are represented in the initiative, which provides financial assistance to students who have displayed potential and commitment on the Gaelic Games front.
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 however, he maintained that it was important that young people should strive for a balance with both their studies and sport. He 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.
Adam Tierney, Oughterard – ATU Galway
Aisling Murray, Caltra Cuans - University of Limerick
Aoife Keane, Salthill Knocknacarra – University of Galway
Ava Bloomer, Portumna – University of Galway
Ava Sweeney, Annaghdown – University of Limerick
Ben Haverty, Athenry – University of Galway
Caoimhe Cleary, Barna – University of Galway
Cian Corcoran, Castlegar/St James – University of Galway
Ciaran Donnellan, Caherlistrane – ATU Galway
Darren Shaughnessy, Loughrea – ATU Galway
Emily Brogan, Claregalway/Carnmore – University of Galway
Emma Mitchell, Ballinasloe – University of Limerick
Gearoid King, Castlegar – University of Galway
Gerry Carr, Oranmore Maree – University of Limerick
Harry Keady, Oranmore Maree – University of Galway
Katie Slattery, Dunmore MacHales – University of Limerick
Laoise McGrath, Sarsfields – University of Limerick
Luca Trench Kearney, Annaghdown – University of Galway
Mark Kilgallon, Clarinbridge – UCD
Muireann Ní Ghloinn, Cois Fharraige – University of Galway
Ryan Roche, Killannin – ATU Galway
Sarah Banks, Tuam Cortoon – University of Galway
Sean Dunne, Barna- University of Galway
Sean Gilmore, Skehana Mountbellew Moylough – ATU Galway
Sean Hansberry, Menlough – University of Galway
Shane Murray, Kilconieron – Mary I Limerick
Zoe Rodgers, Kinvara – University of Galway
