Martin Sheridan Bursary a major helping hand for young Ballinrobe javelin thrower Oisin Joyce

For any young athlete, the financial demands on your chosen sport can be telling so to receive assistance in way possible is something to be grateful for.

Ballinrobe’s Oisin Joyce was one of the winners of last year’s Martin Sheridan Bursary Awards, receiving €1,000, with applications for this year now open.

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 in Mayo.

“I was delighted,” Oisin told the Western People. "Them sort of things make things easier when you’re buying equipment or going abroad. It can be heavy enough on the bank. It helped me last year. It took pressure off myself and my parents. Sometimes the bank of Mam and Dad wouldn’t be too happy either!” 

With the grant, the Lake District AC athlete bought himself a new javelin which he used in competition last year. A lot of dedication is necessary for the 19-year-old and as he’s got older and now having competed on the European stage, he has since put Gaelic football with Ballinrobe to one side to fully concentrate on javelin.

“You’re full time when you’re training away, six days a week and then some double days. But you have to give it a lot of time. I used to play Gaelic but when I got to a certain age, you couldn’t manage the two together. It takes up so much time, in fairness.” Oisin’s success has seen a dramatic increase in numbers now competing in javelin with his local club “We made a good culture about it and all the kids got into it. We had a great team around us. My Dad is my coach now. When you see younger kids coming through. They’re following each other and having the craic in training.” He credits the support of his father Padraic and mother Pauline, who are also his coaches, in helping him come so far.

“My parents are great supporters. They drive me around everywhere. They support me with whatever I need and whatever they can help with.” Oisin made further history when he competed at the European U20 Championships last year, finishing sixth with a throw of 70.25m and is now looking for a bit more at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru later this summer. He qualified after throwing the qualifying standard in Lira, Portugal, last month.

“I had an idea of what I needed to throw (at the Euros) to be in the mix. I knew anything over 70m would have me in the top eight. I threw 70.25m and I got sixth. I was very happy with that.

“I’d be looking to improve this year. I’d always back myself. You have to have confidence that you can go out to these championships and do well. I’d definitely be looking to improve, throw further and kick on this year.” The closing date for applications for this year’s Martin Sheridan Bursary Awards is Friday, May 10.

Forms and application criteria are available by email to martinsheridanbursary@gmail.com.