University of Galway awarded 22 sports scholarships to some of the finest young talent in Irish sport on Wednesday evening. A further 66 athletes from previous years were also recognised at the special ceremony on campus.
The sports scholarship programme has been developed by the University not just to reward students’ ability and previous performances, but to assist these outstanding athletes in developing their sporting ability hand in hand with their academic progress. Benefits of the scholarship include a subsistence grant, coaching support, medical and physiotherapy support, performance nutrition and psychology, performance planning and mentoring, and career development support.
Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: “It was energising to see so many talented players and athletes from the University of Galway catchment in one room. Our mission is to be the most progressive and caring University sports programme on the island of Ireland. The University of Galway will provide the scholars with a high level of challenge and support. This will be led by the experienced Feargal O’Callaghan, our High-Performance lead. It was fantastic to have Niamh Fahey with us to share her experiences and advice with the scholars. She is one of Galway’s greatest sports people and we are very proud that she is a past student.”
A particular highlight on the night was a presentation from ex-international soccer player and former scholarship student Niamh Fahey. Capped 115 times for Ireland, including 3 appearances at the 2023 World Cup, Niamh spoke about her journey from scholarship student at the University of Galway to her new position as Technical Coordinator for Liverpool Women. Niamh’s journey included stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, Bordeaux and Liverpool. Niamh was also an accomplished Gaelic Football player and won an All-Ireland with Galway in 2005. Particularly interesting for the students was her time in Arsenal, where she was studying, playing as a semi-professional, as well as working in the laundry for the men’s team. In July of this year, Niamh graduated with an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University.
Following Niamh's presentation, she was joined on stage by some of the students who had great success over the summer period. The panel spoke candidly about balancing their academic careers and sporting ambitions/successes. The panel comprised:
Niamh Fahey – Past Scholar, International Soccer player
Fortune Igbokwe – Ireland U20 Basketball
Donagh Claffey – World U23 Bronze Medallist in Rowing
Sam O’Farrell – All-Ireland Hurling Winner with Tipperary
Amy O'Sullivan – Irish Women’s Volleyball
Their insights offered the audience a unique perspective on the realities, challenges, and rewards of life as elite student-athletes at the University of Galway.
University of Galway 2025 Sports Scholarships awardees:
Athletics – Caitlin Hughes, Holly O’Boyle, Oisin Davis
Basketball – Aoibhin Connolly, Nathan Gbinigie
Camogie – Olwen Rabbitte, Leah Gallagher, Caoimhe Kelly
Gaelic Football – Maryanne Jordan, Eabha Smith, Shay McGlinchy, Cillian O Curraoin, Conor Corcoran, Rio Mortimer
Hurling – Aaron Nyland, Sean Murphy, Edward O'Reilly
Rowing – Michael Mcgrath, Dominic Casey
Soccer – Grace Gleeson, Jasmine Greaney, Brian Cunningham
Fergal O'Callaghan, High Performance Sports Lead at University of Galway, spoke to John Mulligan on Wednesday evening...
Des Ryan, Director of Sport at University of Galway, spoke to John Mulligan at the launch...
Niamh Fahey, Keynote speaker at the University of Galway's scholarship launch, spoke to John Mulligan...
