Two local GAA players awarded university bursary

Two local GAA players been awarded bursaries for the University of Galway by Connacht GAA.

Padraig Pearses player Eoin Colleran and Michael Moran of St Dominics were included in a group of 22 students to receive the fudning.

The awards are made to high-achieving students who play for the University and their clubs in Galway, Roscommon and Mayo and who show potential in ladies’ football, camogie, men’s football, hurling and dual sports.

The annual Connacht GAA bursary scheme has been in place for 15 years providing financial assistance to students who display potential and commitment to Gaelic games as active members of the association and their higher education club.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “University of Galway is committed to excellence in research, education and the student experience. A great example of our commitment to the student experience is through facilitating and nurturing our students’ potential in Gaelic games.

"We commend these students for their dedication in their chosen sport while balancing it with their third level studies and we wish them every success in their university and sporting lives.”

Cathal Cregg, Connacht GAA Council Games manager, said: “The purpose of this bursary scheme is to honour young people who have excelled in the GAA. 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.”

The University has been in partnership with Connacht GAA since 2021, including the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, the indoor Gaelic games pitch at Connacht’s Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Co Mayo, the largest facility of its type in the world.