Local students receive bursaries from Connacht GAA

A record number of third level students have been awarded bursaries by Connacht GAA. The provincial body’s annual student bursary awards were presented at a ceremony at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence on Saturday, January 4.

The bursary scheme has been in place for 15 years and rewards members of the association who are active members in their higher education club.

62 promising young Connacht GAA players and administrators – the largest number yet – 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.

“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, saying it acknowledged the enormous work carried out by students in promoting Gaelic games in the third level sector.

Connacht GAA President, 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.