Applications sought for Martin Sheridan Bursary
Martin Sheridan in practice for the Discus event at the 1908 London Olympics. He went on to win the Gold Medal, as he had done at the 1904 and 1906 Olympics, with a then Olympic record of 40.89 metres. Picture: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Applications for the 2025 Martin Sheridan Bursary Awards scheme are now officially open for relevant sporting bodies and organisations.
The Martin Sheridan Bursary is intended for sportspeople who have excellent potential, outstanding ability and the desire to perform at the highest level possible in their chosen sport.
Mayo County Council in its budget has allocated the sum of €5,000 towards the Martin Sheridan Bursary Scheme.
Martin Sheridan was born in Bohola on March 28, 1881. He emigrated to America as a teenager and joined the New York Police Force, training as part of the NYP Athletics Team and qualified to represent the United States in the Olympic Games. Over a period of 14 years, he won more Olympic medals than any other Irish athlete – five gold, three silver and one bronze. He also won 12 US Championships and over 30 Canadian, Metropolitan and Regional Championships.
In the course of his career, he established 16 world records and was considered virtually unbeatable.
Martin died at the age of 36 from a viral infection. In 1988, he was the first Irishman to be inducted into the prestigious National Track and Field Hall of Fame in Indianapolis. Very few athletes have come up to Martin’s all round individual performance and his name will always be remembered in athletic circles as one of the all-time greats.
In Bohola today, the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre is dedicated to his memory along with a very impressive memorial, which stands in the grounds of the Community Centre.
An application for the Bursary must be made by a third party i.e. a sporting club or organisation on behalf of the nominee. Only one male and one female athlete may be nominated by a third party.
Each application will be assessed on an individual basis by the Sheridan Memorial Bursary Committee. Canvassing of any kind will immediately disqualify the applicant for consideration. Nominators should aim to put forward a complete and concise application for their chosen nominee.
The closing date for applications is Friday, May 16.
Forms and application criteria are available by email to martinsheridanbursary@gmail.com.
