October University of Galway recognises Sports Scholars

University of Galway has celebrated the next generation of Irish sporting talent, awarding 22 prestigious sport scholarships to standout athletes.

A further 66 athletes from previous years were also recognised at the special ceremony on campus.

The University’s sport scholarship programme was developed to recognise students’ past achievements as well as to aid the development of their sporting talent alongside academic progress. The scheme offers a special subsistence grant, coaching, medical and physiotherapy support, performance nutrition and psychology, mentoring and performance planning and career development assistance.

The awards night was marked by a presentation by ex-international soccer player and former University of Galway scholarship student, Niamh Fahey.

Niamh Fahey said: “It was a pleasure to be at University of Galway and share experiences with the sports scholars, with the hope of passing on some of the learnings from my career, which combined elite sport with education. As a past student of the University, I know the importance of the sport scholarship programme, which provides support structures to create a positive learning environment where you can fulfil your potential in all aspects of your life.”

Capped 115 times for Ireland, including three appearances at the 2023 World Cup, Niamh Fahey shared her journey from a scholarship student to her current role as Technical Coordinator for Liverpool Women. Her professional career has included stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, Bordeaux and Liverpool.

Niamh Fahey was also an accomplished Gaelic footballer, winning an All-Ireland with Galway in 2005. During her time at Arsenal, she balanced semi-professional play, studies and working in the men’s team laundry. Earlier this year, she graduated with an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University.

The awards night also featured successful student athletes who discussed balancing academic careers with sporting ambitions, including Fortune Igbokwe - Ireland U20 Basketball; Donagh Claffey – Bronze medallist in Rowing’s World U23; Sam O’Farrell - All-Ireland Hurling Winner with Tipperary; and Amy O'Sullivan, Irish Women’s Volleyball.

            Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: “It was energising to see so many talented players and athletes from the University in one room. Our mission is to be the most progressive and caring University sports programme on the island of Ireland. Our scholars will benefit from high-level challenge and support, led by our experienced High-Performance Lead, Feargal O’Callaghan. It was fantastic to have Niamh Fahey share her experiences and advice, alongside our other athletes. Niamh Fahey is one of Galway’s greatest sportspeople, and we are very proud she is part of our alumni.”

University of Galway 2025 Sports Scholarships awardees:
Athletics – Caitlin Hughes, Holly O’Boyle, Oisín Davis
Basketball – Aoibhín Connolly, Nathan Gbinigie
Camogie – Olwen Rabbitte, Leah Gallagher, Caoimhe Kelly
Gaelic Football – Maryanne Jordan, Eabha Smith, Shay McGlinchy, Cillian Ó Curraoin, Conor Corcoran, Rio Mortimer
Hurling – Aaron Nyland, Sean Murphy, Edward O'Reilly
Rowing – Michael McGrath, Dominic Casey
Soccer – Grace Gleeson, Jasmine Greaney, Brian Cunningham

For more information on University of Galway’s sports scholarship programme, visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/sports/elitesport/

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