IT Sligo Sports Scholarship Brochure 2021

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SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

WHEN TO APPLY The IT Sligo Sports Scholarship Programme gives talented athletes the supports needed to excel in their chosen sport.

Applications open in January for entry to the next academic year. Applications will remain open until September 15th.

We encourage students to apply as early as possible to ensure they get the full benefits of the IT Sligo Sports Scholarship Programme.

HOW TO APPLY Applications can be made on our website. Please go to itsligo.ie/scholarships The application is straightforward and will only take a few minutes to complete.

CONTACT US

LEVELS AND SPORTS

EXTRA CAO POINTS

We offer sports scholarships at three different levels - Gold, Silver and Bronze. Up to 70 sports scholarships are awarded each academic year, across a wide range of sports - from GAA, Soccer, Golf, Equestrian and Athletics to Strongman, Surfing, Chess, Pentathlon and Motorsport. No matter what your chosen sport is, if you think you could be eligible then please apply.

Bonus CAO points may also be awarded to elite sports people.

We encourage students to apply before May 1st so they can be considered for this bonus.

If you have any questions or wish to contact us regarding your application, please email sportscholarship@itsligo.ie

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our sports scholars must meet certain eligibility criteria and sign our code of conduct if successful.

Each scholarship level comes with a different financial award.

Gold scholarships include €1750 per academic year, Silver €1100 per academic year and Bronze €550 per academic year.

Sport Travel Bursaries may also be available to sports scholars competing at national and international levels.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS The sports scholarship comes with lots of additional benefits including full use of IT Sligo sports facilities, academic support and IT Sligo branded sports scholarship gear.

ELIGIBILITY AND CODE OF CONDUCT To view the eligibility criteria and the code of conduct, please go to itsligo.ie/scholarships

WHAT OUR SPORTS SCHOLARS SAY Some of our scholars talk us through their sporting successes and the benefits of the IT Sligo Sports Scholarship Programme.

MOTORSPORT

SARA MC FADDEN

BBS (HONS) IN SPORT WITH BUSINESS I have been visually impaired since birth and at 12 I was told I would never be allowed a drivers licence. However, in July 2018, I became the first visually impaired navigator to ever compete in Irish rallying. Getting involved in rallying is the best decision I have ever made! It has brought me great joy and success. In 2019 I was named Young Mayo person of the Year and received the Motorsport Ireland J.C Millard Irish Clubman of the Year award.

The IT Sligo sports facilities are not only amazing, the location is ideal. Everything is on campus! It allows me to get my workouts completed if I have spare time during the day, which helps to balance sports and academic work. Financially, the sports scholarship has helped cover some of the costs associated with competing.

GYMNASTICS

RUTH KENNEDY

GOLF

DARAGH CONNOLLY

SLIGO

SLIGO

BBS IN APPLIED SPORT WITH BUSINESS

BA (HONS) IN ACCOUNTING

I joined my first gymnastics club when I was four. I went on to compete at international level in Geneva in 2008 when I was eight years old. From 2013 I began tumbling and have won eleven National Gymnastics Ireland medals. I have also competed in numerous national competitions in acrobatics. Currently, I am studying to become a gymnastics coach.

I have been playing golf since I was very young. I finished third at the Irish U14 Open Championships in 2015. I have represented Connacht three times at interprovincial championships and won the U14 interprovincial championships with Connacht in 2015, winning all 3 of my matches. More recently, I’ve finished top twenty in both the Munster and Leinster Boys U18 Championships. I am currently playing off a handicap of two.

I love the IT Sligo sports facilities. It has everything I need to compete in my sport. The facilities are also all on campus which makes them very easy to access. The sports scholarship has given me a real confidence boost and I really want to push on and do as well as possible representing the college and my club.

WINDSURFING

FINN MELLON

MAYO

The free gym membership is a huge benefit to me. In my downtime away from golf, I also use the AstroTurf pitch to play football with my friends – this is an amazing pitch! The IT Sligo Sports Scholarship has also given me great confidence.

BASKETBALL KERRY

BSC (HONS) IN HEALTH SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY My sporting passion revolves around the sea. I am a currently the Irish National Windsurfing wave champion. I have competed on the World Tour as a junior and spent summers living and training in places like the Canary Islands and Cape Town with the world’s best windsurfers.

Here at IT Sligo, there is a great gym I can use free of charge on my down days when there isn’t much happening in the sea.

However, the best facility for me at IT Sligo Is the college’s proximity to the waves I use to practice and have fun on - I love it!

The financial support is amazing. Last year this funded my travels to Scotland, where I then managed to finish Second on the Men’s Pro tour, which is probably my best event result to date.

SOPHIE CARR

DONEGAL

BSC (HONS) IN HEALTH SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY I’ve been playing basketball since I was five. With my local club I’ve achieved various MIP and MVP awards, and captained the team to regional and All-Ireland titles. I have also won an All-Ireland title with my secondary school. From the age of twelve I have represented my region and was invited by the NE to play with them in Poland. I have also represented Ireland at underage.

The sports facilities at IT Sligo are superb and the scholarship has so many added benefits. I am excited to see what I can achieve in the coming years with the IT Sligo Basketball Club.

Whether you are an elite level athlete, a talented amateur or someone who is looking to keep fit and healthy, we have something to suit all abilities and interests.

SPORT .

FOR ALL .

Sport and physical activity play an important role in campus . life at IT Sligo. Our belief is that sport is for everyone. .

We understand the positive impact it can have on an . individual’s physical and mental health. That is why we . have developed a wide range of facilities and activities . to suit everyone. .

ACHIEVING ATHLETES b Develop your talent with the help of our top-class coaches.

b Compete at National or International level - individually or on a team.

b Get the supports needed to excel with our Sports Scholarship Programme.

PART-TIME PLAYERS b Play in a sociable environment

– with a slight competitive edge.

b A choice of soccer, dodgeball, badminton, volleyball and lots more.

b A great way to try out something new and meet new people.

HEALTHY HEROES b If you just want to have some fun and keep active.

b Daily exercise classes ranging from spinning to yoga.

b Use the campus fitness suite, outdoor gym or walking trail.

SPORT FACILITIES We have made significant investment in our sporting . facilities over the last number of years. This has resulted . in the state of the art facilities we see on campus today. .

With access available seven days a week, keeping active . has never been easier. .

INDOOR At the centre of our facilities is the Knocknarea Arena. This sporting hub is where you will find our multi-purpose sports hall, state-of-the-art fitness suite and specialised exercise studios. Students can also avail of free fitness consultations and personalised exercise programmes with a member of our qualified fitness team.

OUTDOOR We have an International standard eight-lane tartansurface running track with throwing and jumping facilities.

Our newly developed 3g Astro turf pitch is fully floodlit and FIFA approved. We also have three floodlit grass pitches – A championship standard pitch for GAA and Rugby, FAI certified Soccer pitch and a high-quality training pitch. An outdoor gym is located along the campus walking trail, Sli na Sláinte.

NEAR OUR DOOR Off-campus, students can avail of various sporting facilities at heavily discounted rates. The Clayton Hotel, just a 2 minute walk from IT Sligo, provides access to a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Or for the more competitive swimmer, Sligo Regional Sports Centre has a 25m indoor heated swimming pool. A five-minute drive from campus is Sligo Tennis Club - home to six outdoor floodlit Omni courts, an indoor tennis court, five badminton courts and four squash courts.

OUR NATURAL. FACILITIES .

SAND AND SEA Strandhill and Rosses Point beaches are located just a 10-minute drive from IT Sligo and are part of Sligo Town’s bus route. Here you will find an array of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or the more relaxing SUP boarding.

The North West is renowned for having some of the best waves in the world! Both seaside towns are also home to 18-hole links golf courses – challenging courses, distracting beauty!

TREKS AND TRAILS IT Sligo’s stunning location along the Wild Atlantic Way . lends itself to some breathtaking natural facilities . that few, if any, colleges can boast. .

If walking, hill walking or mountain climbing take your fancy then look no further. Sligo’s rural landscape includes the world-famous Benbulben Mountain, the Queen Maeve trail on Knocknarea, woodland walks such as Hazelwood and Slish Wood, megalithic sites in Carrowkeel, the beautiful wilderness of the Ox Mountains and so much more. Cycling trails vary from easy to difficult providing the perfect setting for a challenging circuit or a recovery ride. Equestrian enthusiasts or beginners can benefit from numerous riding stables close to the IT Sligo campus - all accompanied by beach or countryside treks.

RIVERS AND LAKES The Garavogue River and Lough Gill provide complete opposites for our keen kayakers – rapid or relaxing, the choice is yours.

For those looking to get away from it all, angling options are plentiful. Sea, river or lake – we just hope your catch is as prolific!

SLIGO IS NAMED THE

SURF COAST OF THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY FOR GOOD REASON. WHAT MAKES SLIGO SO POPULAR FOR SURFING IS THAT IT HAS THE MOST CONSISTENT SWELL OF ANYWHERE IN EUROPE. ITS SURF IS WORLD-FAMOUS!

WHAT OUR SPORTS SCHOLARS SAY Some of our scholars talk us through their sporting successes and the benefits of the IT Sligo Sports Scholarship Programme.

BOXING

DEAN CLANCY

SLIGO

BBS IN APPLIED SPORT WITH BUSINESS From a young age I have been passionate about boxing. I am the current national senior elite champion and train with Team Ireland in the national sports campus. I am a nine-time provincial and national boxing champion winning at both underage and senior, a double European siler medalist and I have competed in the world championships in Budapest. My career highlight has been representing Ireland at the youth Olympic games in Buenos Aires Argentina, where I finished 4th overall.

The sports scholarship has given me a sense of security and has helped with training. The facilities at IT Sligo are great for me.

I am currently on a list of boxers who hope to go to the Olympics.

My aim is to compete at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and Paris 2024 Olympics.

ATHLETICS

LAUREN CADDEN

EQUESTRIAN

ANGELA KOSKO

SLIGO

SLIGO

BSC (HONS) IN HEALTH SCIENCE & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

BSC (HONS) IN HUMAN NUTRITION

I have represented and medaled for Ireland at international level. I am a current member of the women’s U23 national 4x100 relay team and was ranked in the top 16 at 200m in the European U20 championships. I also hold national juvenile records across 200m. In my first Intervarsity’s competition, I finished second. I look forward to winning more medals representing IT Sligo.

Thanks to the IT Sligo Equestrian Club, I have some really memorable experiences. I won the showjumping leg of the 2019 MU National Tetrathlon and was selected to represent IT Sligo and Ireland at the international Student Riding Nations Cups (SRNC), which are student equestrian events that take place every year throughout Europe, Scandinavia and North America.

I have also participated in the prestigious Red Mills SJI National Bursary Clinic and competed at the RDS where I finished Young Rider Reserve Champion in the Final.

IT Sligo has so many sports facilities all within walking distance of each other. For me, having a full Olympic sized running track is amazing. The scholarship has been very beneficial for me as It helps both academically and financially. The college offers extra academic support if needed, as a lot of time goes into training, racing and travelling. They are very understanding and supportive.

CHESS

EIBHIA NI MHUIREAGAIN

IT Sligo offers fantastic on campus sport facilities and there is a very broad range of sporting activities that you can participate in. If you want to get the best out of your course, and love competing in a sport, I advise you to apply for a sports scholarship: you have nothing to lose!

STRONGMAN LEITRIM

BBS (HONS) IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETING WITH SPANISH I represented Ireland in the 2018 Olympia in Batumi, Georgia. It was an honour to play against top players from different countries all around the globe. I have represented Ireland in many international tournaments, but the Olympia is the highlight of my chess career so far.

The IT Sligo Gym itself is a fantastic place to train. Chess games can last up to 5 hours, for the mind to not fatigue early, the body must be physically fit. The scholarship has eased financial stresses associated with my training, but also lit a fire of determination within me. The scholarship reassures me the college is supporting me. Now, more than ever, I am determined to push myself and represent Ireland at the Olympia once again.

DÁIRE MARTIN

MONAGHAN

BBS (HONS) IN SPORT WITH BUSINESS Strongman is by no means a typical sport and I am by no means a typical competitor! Being the youngest at competitions by a big chunk of years is something I love. I have won numerous Super Yoke events, the truck pull in the Galway Summer Open and overhead press events. Pulling a 12 Tonne Truck and deadlifting a car for 11 reps is also something I am quite proud of! I have also filmed with Joe.ie and Vodafone, alongside competing in international events.

The financial support of the scholarship has of course been a big boost. But the scholarship also made me feel part of something bigger- a group of similarly minded people working towards their own successes within their sport. The mentorship and support from the college has been fantastic.

BELOW ARE JUST SOME OF THE CLUBS AT IT SLIGO CLUBS

CLUBS AND .

SOCIETIES .

Aikido

Motorsport

Basketball

Rugby

Badminton

Strongman/ Woman

Boxing Cheerleaders Chess

Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people with similar interests, try out something new or pursue your passion. College life is more than just study.

It is also about experiences and friendships.

That is why we encourage students to join at least one club or society – and with over 70 to choose from, we have something for everyone!

Table Tennis

FUN AND FRIENDSHIP

Dance

College life is more than just study. It is also about having fun and making friends. Clubs and societies play a big role in this, and we encourage all students to join at least one. It can often be the start of a new passion or a lifelong friendship.

Dodgeball Equestrian Golf

Volleyball Disability Inclusion & Sports Mauy Thai / Kickboxing

Karate

There are over 70 clubs and societies to choose from. These cover everything from archaeology to aikido and gaming to golf. Also, new clubs and societies are formed every year which means you can even start your own!

Sub Aqua Swimming

Cycling

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Surf

BE ACTIVE GET INVOLVED

CHECK THEM OUT Our clubs and societies day is held early in the college year. This is an opportunity to check out in more detail the wide range on offer and sign up to as many of them as you like. Almost all our clubs and societies are free to join.

JOINING A CLUB OR SOCIETY IS A GREAT WAY TO MEET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

BELOW ARE JUST SOME OF THE SOCIETIES AT IT SLIGO SOCIETIES Ag Caint Society African Society Airsoft Archaeology Society Architecture & Design Art Society Bio Med Society Christian Union Coding Society Digital Art Society

Environmental Society Gaisce Gospel Choir International LGBT+ Society Macra na Feirme Mental Health Organic Farming Tea Society Trad Society

CLUBS IN FOCUS

GALWAY

ELAINE NÍ NIAIDH BSC (HONS) IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS I have always played underage football for Galway ladies’ teams, winning four Connacht tittles. In 2017 I was part of the U16 panel that won an All Ireland, beating Cork in the final. The following year at minor level we won the All Ireland once again. For IT Sligo, I have captained the freshers and senior teams. We have a great team here. The highs and lows we have experienced together has resulted in very strong friendships throughout the team. We want to push on and be successful now more than ever. I love representing IT Sligo.

GAA

Being awarded a scholarship has given me such confidence and pride. It has given me a really positive mentality. The financial benefit of the scholarship has helped towards paying my rent. The sports facilities are amazing and the pitches are always in great condition.

OFFALY

AARON KELLEGHAN BSC (HONS) IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH I was always part of the Offaly development squad growing up and a current member of the senior squad. 2020 was probably the highlight of my career so far as I won my first senior championship with my club Rhode. In 2020 I also captained my school, St. Josephs Rochfortbridge, to their first ever Brother Bosco Cup in Leinster.

Here at IT Sligo, we are delighted to offer GAA across all codes. We have teams competing in men’s and ladies’ football, hurling and camogie, at various levels. From Sigerson to Freshers and Intermediate to Junior, we cater for all abilities and aim to provide opportunities for everyone. Whether you are an elite level player or just looking to take part for fun, our club welcomes all. Our facilities include a championship standard grass pitch, an AstroTurf pitch, a fully equipped gym, indoor facilities and several training pitches.

Throughout the years our teams have been very successful from the multiple winning Sigerson Cup teams to the Ryan Cup winning teams. Indeed, a huge number of household GAA names are Alumni of IT Sligo. Most recently, our ladies camogie team and men’s junior football team have brought silverware back to IT Sligo. We also have a club player training initiative. Training sessions are skill and game focused, and open to all IT Sligo students who want to train for upcoming GAA club seasons.

The scholarship has helped me financially of course. The pitch and facilities here are excellent too. I know of some of the players who have played for IT Sligo before. The likes of Andy Moran, Karl Lacey, Paul Finlay, Nicky Joyce and loads more. We have a strong team here at the moment and I am excited to see what we can achieve in the coming years.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST IT SLIGO GAA NEWS Follow the club on Facebook & Twitter @itsligogaaclub

WESTMEATH

OLIVIA KELLEGHAN BA (HONS) IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IT SLIGO GAA Please contact Michael Harte on mharte@itsligo.ie

We have a very exciting crop of players at IT Sligo currently. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of stars to the IT Sligo GAA club, as we aim to add to our rich tradition of success in Higher Education GAA. Michael Harte, IT Sligo GAA Games Development Officer

I am a current member of the Westmeath Camogie Team. In 2020, Westmeath competed in the All Ireland Senior Championship. Recently with my club, I have won a junior county final and reached the senior semifinal.

With IT Sligo, in my first year we reached the championship semifinal and won the league final. Camogie in IT Sligo is getting better every year and there is constantly an increasing demand for it.

The sports facilities at IT Sligo are great. The scholarship has benefited me hugely. Financially, it pays for my transport home to county training sessions during the week. Having free access to the gym and facilities such as the running track, is also brilliant.

CLUBS IN FOCUS

LEITRIM

NIALL MORAHAN BBS (HONS) IN BUSINESS I played locally in Leitrim and Sligo up until I joined Sligo Rovers when I was 15. I played for Sligo Rovers U17’s, captained the U19 side and signed my first professional contract in 2018. I made my international debut in 2019 for the Irish U19’s and I was a member of the Irish U19 squad for the European Qualifiers and European Finals in Armenia.

SOCCER

I chose to study at IT Sligo as it gave me the opportunity to play full time professional football whilst also pursuing an academic career. I had played under Colm Jinks at underage level also, so knew the football in the college would be professionally ran. The sports facilities at Sligo IT are top class. There are two football pitches, a grass pitch and an AstroTurf, where we train and play our matches. The gym and indoor hall in the sports complex are great and cater for all my needs. I’ve had a few tough sessions down on the running track, which is great to have too.

DONEGAL

AMY BOYLE CARR It gives me great pleasure to help our students participate in a wide range of soccer activities. Our philosophy is that football is for everyone. We cater for players with various disabilities, those who want to play recreational soccer just for fun and those who want to play at an elite level.

IT Sligo Soccer Club are here to help in whatever way we can to give you the best possible experience throughout your journey with us. If you want to play soccer – we will make sure you do! Our facilities include an FAI certified grass pitch, FIFA approved 3G AstroTurf pitch and indoor soccer facilities also.

We aim to be one of the leading colleges in the North West for men and women’s soccer and for IT Sligo to show we are committed to soccer at a social and semi-professional level.

At an elite level, we have a partnership agreement with Sligo Rovers FC for both Male and Female Athletes to provide a pathway for students to excel academically and through sport at a professional level.

Our Men and Women’s teams participate in the College University Football League (CUFL) Premier Division along with our B Team who play in the Third Division of the CUFL while also participating in the Colleges Football Association of Ireland (CFAI) Cup for men and Intervarsity’s for women.

Both teams’ have been successful in recent times. The Men’s team were CUFL Premier Division runners up, CFAI runners up and Regional Futsal Champions in 2019/20. Our recent women’s team successes include Intervarsity’s Winners and All Ireland Futsal Champions 2018/19. Our goal is to continue playing and winning at the highest level.

No matter what your ability, we have something for you. We look forward to welcoming you to the IT Sligo Soccer family.

Colm Jinks, IT Sligo FAI Football Facilitator

BSC IN HEALTH SCIENCE AND PHYSIOLOGY

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST IT SLIGO SOCCER NEWS Follow the club on Instagram @itsligosoccer & Twitter @itsligofootball

Growing up in Donegal I played my football with the local boys’ team Fintown Harps and spent a few years with the Donegal Town girls club. I was first selected for the Republic of Ireland when I was fourteen.

I played for Ireland at every age group from U15’s and made my Irish senior debut when I was seventeen against the Netherlands in a World Cup Qualifier in 2018.

I won the All-Ireland Futsal tournament with IT Sligo in 2019, where I got Player of the Tournament.

There is a great soccer club at IT Sligo. We are involved in many competitions which means you are always busy and have something to be training for.

LONGFORD

FOR MORE INFORMATION

JEREMIAH IDAHOR

ON IT SLIGO SOCCER

BENG IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Please contact Colm Jinks on colm.jinks@fai.ie

I have been playing football from a young age. I currently play for Sligo Rovers and IT Sligo. I previously played for Longford Town and have represented Leinster in a cup competition held in Germany. Throughout my three years on the soccer team, I have felt a real sense of team spirit - everyone was there to bring out the best in each other.

The pitches are brilliant and suit our style of play. The coaches are brilliant too! The Sports Scholarship has really boosted my confidence. Long term, I want to continue to play professional football and reach the highest level I can.

CIARA GINTY MAYO BSC (HONS) HEALTH SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Ciara is a talented boxer. Amongst her successes are 10 National Titles, a World Gold Medal, Youth Olympic Silver Medal and a European Bronze Medal.

RYAN O’REILLY CAVAN BBS (HONS) IN BUSINESS

SUPPORT TO SUCCEED

Ryan is a versatile defender. He has represented the Republic of Ireland from U15 to U19 Level and played for Stoke City between 2011 and 2016.

JAMIE BRENNAN DONEGAL BSC (HONS) HUMAN NUTRITION

The IT Sligo Sports Scholarship programme has helped to nurture and progress the careers of numerous elite level athletes. If you would like to add your story to our long list of successes, then be sure to apply. Applications can be made at itsligo.ie/scholarships

Jamie is a prolific inter-county footballer. He was nominated for a GAA All Star in 2019 after an outstanding season for Donegal as they retained their Ulster title.

CLIODHNA MALONEY..

GALWAY BBS (HONS) SPORT WITH BUSINESS Cliodhna is an Irish International star who plays her club rugby with London Wasps.

Cliodhna only took up rugby during her first year at IT Sligo.

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SLIGO ASH LANE, SLIGO, F91YW50, IRELAND T: +353 (0)71 93 18510 F: +353 (0)71 91 60475 E: INFO@ITSLIGO.IE W: ITSLIGO.IE

IT Sligo, LYIT and GMIT are working together to become a Technological University for the West and North-West of Ireland.

See www.cualliance.ie