Mayo rugby star awarded elite scholarship
Clara Barrett has received a finding boost from Mary Immaculate College. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Mayo rugby star Clara Barrett is one of five well-known sportspeople who have been selected to receive an Elite Sports Scholarship from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements.
Clara, who is part of the Ireland Women’s Rugby programme, has been awarded a silver scholarship, while fellow recipients are Kerry footballer Aoife Dillane, Laois footballer Katie Donoghue, and Clare senior and U20 hurlers respectively, Shane Meehan and Ronan O’Connor.
In its fifth year, MIC’s Elite Sports Scholarship – offered in memory of former MIC staff members and sporting stalwarts, Noreen Lynch and Leonard Enright – continues to support students who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen discipline. The scholarships are aimed at helping students to balance their commitment to furthering their academic and sporting careers in tandem.
Clara Barrett, who is from Geesala, is a Third Year Bachelor of Education student. She began her rugby career at the age of 10 with Erris Rugby, playing with mostly boys and only a handful of girls. Her passion for rugby took flight at U12 to U14 level when she joined the Ballina girls’ team. From there she played for Connacht and Ireland U18 teams.
A rising star, Clara made her first appearance on the Connacht senior team in 2023 and plays her club rugby with UL Bohemians. She was subsequently named in the Ireland Combined Provinces squad and in the Irish U20 squad before being called up for the Irish senior women’s squad. She is now on the Irish 7s development pathway.
Congratulating the awardees on their achievement, Professor Niamh Hourigan, Acting President of MIC said the calibre of the college’s sporting ambassadors continues to be exceptional.
“Our talented awardees have proven their sporting excellence at inter-county, national and international levels with two All-Ireland winners and a rising star in Irish women’s rugby among them. They are also aiming for academic success at MIC and balancing the two commitments is no easy task so we are delighted to offer our support. I wish them all the best for the coming year.”
