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Celebrating the Dr T. A. Neville UCC Rugby Referee Bursary
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Celebrating the Dr T. A. Neville UCC Rugby Referee Bursary
University College Cork is proud to offer the annual Dr T. A. Neville UCC Rugby Referee Bursary—a €1,000 award dedicated to supporting and developing emerging student rugby referees. This bursary was established in memory of Dr Tom Neville (1904–1999) and is co-funded by the Neville family along with UCC alumnus John Fitzgerald (BEng Civil, 1984). It honours Dr Neville’s extraordinary 70-year association with UCC Rugby and his influential role in Munster rugby administration.
The bursary aims to promote student involvement in rugby officiating and strengthen the longstanding connection between UCC Rugby and the Munster Association of Referees (MAR). Applicants must be current UCC undergraduate or postgraduate students who are also active members of both UCC Rugby Club and MAR. Recipients are expected to contribute by refereeing and acting as touch judge throughout the season, as well as by attending MAR meetings and development workshops. Each awardee will receive €1,000 to support their refereeing development, and those who have previously received the bursary are welcome to apply again in subsequent years.
Dr Tom Neville’s legacy is deeply rooted in UCC Rugby. A medical student who began his studies in 1922, he played second-row for both the College and Munster, captaining UCC RFC in the 1926–27 season. After his playing career, he remained a central figure in the sport—coaching numerous UCC teams, officiating matches, and serving in key administrative roles. He was a member of the Irish Universities Rugby Committee, served as President of the Munster Branch in 1969, and led UCC RFC as President on three occasions (1962–64 and 1974), eventually being honoured as its Centenary President.
The bursary, valued at €1,000, is awarded annually to qualified UCC students who are members of both UCC Rugby Club and MAR. Applications should be submitted to the UCC Director of Sport & Physical Education (or their nominee), and previous recipients are eligible to reapply. If you are a UCC student passionate about advancing your refereeing career and wish to contribute to the rich tradition of UCC Rugby, we encourage you to apply. Click here to apply.