Alan Fitzgerald, Darragh Oxley, Ciara Clancy, Jordan Prendiville, Kate Gayson Molloy and Patrick Ryan, with Leigh Fitzgerald of LIT Rugby pictured last year as athletes received LIT sports scholarships. Two students from Offaly are among this year's recipients.

Offaly duo receive LIT sports scholarships

Kieran Galvin

Published: Fri 29 Jan 2021, 3:29 PM

Last updated: Fri 29 Jan 2021, 4:27 PM

Two promising Offaly athletes are among the 78 students who received Limerick Institute of Technology sports scholarships for this academic year.

Edenderry's Tara Dunne received a scholarship for ladies football, while Shinrone's JJ O'Brien is among the hurling recipients.

Tara has won several underage honours with Edenderry and has played for the Offaly ladies team, while JJ has represented Offaly in hurling at minor level.

Unfortunately, LIT was not able to have a scholarship award ceremony this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

But in a year when sporting events have been seriously impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the LIT Sport and Recreation office said it remains committed to supporting young athletic talent and the general health and wellness of the entire LIT community.

Supported by sponsors PMI, the LIT Sports Scholarships encourage young athletes to achieve greatness in their chosen sport, while also providing a range of off-field supports for their education and mental wellbeing.

This year’s recipients excel at a number of sports including basketball, camogie, hurling, Gaelic football, handball, rugby, kickboxing and swimming.

President of LIT, Prof Vincent Cunnane, described the scholarships as reflective of LIT’s ethos.

“The LIT sport scholarship programme continues to value and support students in a balanced way, as they strive to reach their goals both on and off the competitive arena,” he said.

Adrian Flaherty, Sports Recreation & Facilities Officer, LIT, said LIT’s Sports Scholarship programme "provides athletic support, focuses on individual welfare, and includes off-field mentoring and education support to its recipients”.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic on sport we continue to meet the goals set out by the scholarship programme in new ways. This year has been a challenge, but lessons learnt through participation in sport include resilience, team work and working to overcome obstacles, disappointments and setbacks,” said Mr Flaherty.

“Among the other initiatives being rolled out to support the health and wellness of our students, staff and the general community is the six week 'LIT Sport Virtual Health & Wellness 2021'. Every day over the six-week period, ending on March 7, the programme will help increase health awareness by providing workouts, resources, webinars, demonstrations, live discussions and evidence-based material to all participants," he added.

LIT’s Sports Scholarship programme is now open for applications at lit.ie/sport.