Sports scholarships awarded at Mayo College
Ben Matheson is one of three students to have been awarded sports scholarships by the Mayo College of Further Education and Training.
Mayo College of Further Education and Training (FET) have announced the three worthy recipients of their sports scholarship program for the current academic year.
These remarkable student-athletes have not only demonstrated exceptional talent in their respective sports but also embody the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and academic excellence that Mayo College FET value. The three recipients selected for the 2024 sports scholarships represent a diverse range of sports, including boxing, rugby and soccer.
Ben Matheson of Ballina RFC, Natalia Fasciszewska of Castlebar Boxing Club and Mark Rattigan of Castlebar Celtic FC have been chosen based on their outstanding achievements, both on and off the field, as well as their potential to contribute positively to the Mayo College FET community.
Matheson currently plays as a scrum-half or out-half for the Ballina RFC senior team. He was named Ballina RFC Senior Young Player of the Year for 2023 and has runners-up medals in the Connacht Cup for the Ballina RFC 18.5 team in 2022 and a Connacht Schools A Cup for the St Muredach’s College Junior team in 2020.
It’s not only the rugby pitch where Ben excels, he is also a talented Gaelic footballer, playing in the full-back line. He won three North Mayo Championship medals at under-14, under-16 and minor with his club Ballina Stephenites.
In his time at St Muredach’s, he was twice awarded with the Award for Sporting Achievements in 2018 and 2022.
Fasciszewska is also a dual sports star, playing for Castlebar Celtic and making the Mayo and Connacht teas in 2018, but it’s in the ring where the 18-year-old is a force to be reckoned with.
She was the Mayo and Connacht champion from 2017 to 2022 and won All-Ireland titles in 2018, 2019, and 2022. She had successful 2023 with a Silver medal at the Round Robin in Italy and Gold medals at the XVIII International Silesian Women’s Boxing Championships and the XXVII Krygier International Boxing Tournament.
Natalia is currently boxing for Team Ireland and representing the county at international level. She trains with High Performance in Dublin every weekend.
Rattigan has been awarded a Partial Scholarship. He plays soccer with Castlebar Celtic and boxes with Aglish Boxing Club. He successfully completed level 5 Sport and Recreation course with the FAI in Milebush 2022/23.
Mayo College is thrilled to announce the launch of a new sports scholarship program aimed at supporting and recognising the exceptional athletic talent within the community. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering both academic and athletic excellence, providing student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue their passion for sports while earning a quality education.
To apply for the Mayo College FET sports scholarship program, interested students should visit their website at www.mayocollege.ie for criteria and application instructions. The deadline for applications is May 31.
For more information, please contact Michael Moyles at michaelmoyles@msletb.ie.
