08 Nov 2006

Presentation of UCC Sports Scholarships 2006/07, 8 November

With an unprecedented amount of awardees, UCC's Physical Education Department has announced the 2006-07 Sports Scholarship Awards.  Professor Peter Kennedy, Vice-President for Research Policy & Support, UCC will present 85 students with Sports Scholarships totalling in excess of €100,000 today (8 November 2006).

Amongst those being honoured are John Tennyson (Hurling), Billy Holland (Rugby), Emer Dillon (Camogie) and Fintan Goold (Gaelic Football).

This year sees 19 different sports being recognised through the Scholarship Scheme.  Ladies Rugby and Tae-Kwon-Do are being honoured for the first time along with Rugby, Soccer, Gaelic Football, Basketball, Gymnastics, Hockey, Hurling, Badminton, Swimming, Sailing, Ladies Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Athletics, Camogie and Handball. Men's Hockey and Swimming are being honoured after an absence of many years.

Acting Director of Physical Education & Sport, Christine O'Donovan said "UCC's sporting success is reflected amongst these students who have excelled in their chosen sport. The Sports Scholarship Scheme underscores UCC's commitment to encouraging and rewarding high achievement in sport."

In addition to these Scholarships, nine students will receive Munster Council GAA Bursaries.  Mr Seán Fogarty, Chairman of the Munster Council will present cheques to the awardees.  The University is indebted to the Cork County Board and the Munster Council of the GAA for their continued support in the development of Gaelic Games in the University.

This year also sees the Cadbury Football Scholarships which are awarded in recognition of the sporting potential of U21 footballers attending various universities in Ireland as part of the Cadbury sponsorship of the Cadbury U21 Football Championship.  Cathal O'Connor, Marketing Manager, Cadbury Ireland said, “The Cadbury Scholarships highlight the importance of the game to these young players, their commitment to training and their hard work, skill, passion and dedication in pursuit of sporting excellence.”

Organised by UCC's Department of Physical Education & Sport, the Presentation of Scholarships and Munster GAA Bursaries takes place today (8 November 2006) at 6pm in the Multifunctional Hall, Aras na Mac Leinn, UCC.

Sports Scholarship Awards:

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