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The official Newry, Mourne and Down Council link with the city of Southern Pines in the US isn't the only show in town, as former Bray man Hunter Parris showed on his holiday visit to Newry this week.
Hunter has lived in America for 17 years and has recently moved to Southern Pines, a town he has fallen in love with.
On his first trip back home in over ten years Hunter decided to call in to The Bridge Bar in Newry to exchange sports jerseys. Pat O'Donnell, the owner of O'Donnells his local Irish pub in Southern Pines had remembered The Bridge from his travels here years ago and had reccommended he called.
Owner Colm McAvoy was on hand to accept his donation of a Southern Pines Rugby jersey and present Hunter with a Newry Rugby top.
As Hunter explains "Since rugby and support from our local pubs and their patrons are engrained in both towns' culture, I saw it only fitting to have a piece of that culture from each town hanging up for all to see.
"Colm didn't have any notice I was coming unfortunately, but managed to locate a Newry jersey for me which he is going to give me to take back with me. I've noticed the same passion, love, and hospitality from Newry that I felt in Southern Pines. Truly a remarkable comparison of sister cities separated by thousands of miles."
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Senior Team Manager
Brian Murphy has been appointed Senior Team Manager and we welcome him to our Club. Training for Seniors, U21 & Minors has commenced.
Ádh Mór
Armagh U17: Best of luck to the team and in particular the eight Craobh Rua representatives on the panel who have their first fixture this Sunday 11th versus Down. They have been training hard all winter for this.
Comghairdeas
Damien Britton has successfully completed his referee course
Club Activities
Our 2018 Club Calendar has been left with local Prinary Schools. An Coiste Craobh Rua would like to thank all those who supported our Calender.
Craobh Rua Hurling Club encourage our members & club community to support those businesses, services and individuals who sponsor our Club and our fund raising initiatives.
Fund Raising Street Collection
Our next Street Collection will be in Camloch on Saturday the 31st March. Anyone who can give us an hour to help with collections please contact any Committeee member .
Coaching and Training sessions details are as follows
The weather played havoc with our Training Programme. We hope to get back to normal over the next week.
We would like to thank all Agencies, Services and individuals who helped to keep our families and communities safe and well during the past week. Your continuing professionalism, care and commitment is deeply appreciated, míle buíochas.
U16: Training continues as normal. Match in the Down League versus Portaferry this Saturday 10th March at home. Information on Arrangements will be available during the week.
U12 & U14
Sunday mornings at the Gardens 3G playing pitch. The sessions start at 10.30am and finish at 11.45am. Lead Coach/Contact Laurence Bradley 07736150103
Under 10s
(Primary 5 & 6) coaching and training sessions take place each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm in The Gardens 3G pitch in Bessbrook. Lead Coach/Contact Joe McEldowney 07764193978. Last Sundays U10s blitz was cancelled this morning due to weather. The organisers are trying to rescheduled for next week. If this is possible we will inform parents and players
Under 8s (Primary 3 & 4) takes place each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm at St. Paul's Highschool Sports Hall. Lead Coach / Contact Micheál Bradley 07907219639.
Rua Ógs (Primary 1 & 2)
Our newly structured hurling nursery Rua Ógs (Primary 1 and 2) coaching continues each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm at St. Paul's Highschool Gymnasium. Lead Coach/Contact Damien Britton 0770679917
Please note these sessions are £2 each for those who are not signed up cairde members.
Parents/Guardians should not hesitate to contact the appropriate Underage Team Mentors for any further information.
Registration
Membership Registration will continue to take place each in St Pauls 6-30 to 7-30 . Feel free to seek further information from Craobh Rua coaches and Coiste members in attendance. Craobh Rua Camlocha extend an invitation to all from our community who might wish to participate in and hopefully enjoy in our Clubs activities.
Membership Registration fees are are follows
Adult Players £60
3rd Level Student Players £30
Youth U18/ Child U9 £15
Adult non Player £20
Adult Concessions £15
Family £120 (There is a Standing Order Facility available for this category)
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Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies had their first pre-season challenge game of the year when they made the trip to Blackrock in Louth to take on the local Geraldines ladies on Saturday evening. With several absentees it provided an opportunity for six younger players to make their senior debuts, all of whom made a great impression. In spite of the cold and windy conditions, both teams served up a very entertaining and free flowing game, although the first half saw lots of scoring chances go a begging from each team. In a close second half the Geraldines were that little bit sharper and deserved the win by a 5 points margin in the end. Both sides made continual rolling substitutions throughout and everyone was able to get ample playing time. Thank you to Geraldines for hosting us and we will hopefully arrange a return game later in the season. Well done to all our players on a very useful opening game to 2018.
Senior and minor ladies training continues on Monday night at 8.30pm in EST28 Gym with Greg McCabe.
Minor Boys
Training for our minor boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins will commence next week with a time and date still to be confirmed.
U16 Girls
Pre-season training for our U16 girls continues on Monday evening at 8.30pm sharp in EST28 gym in Mill Industrial Estate, Bessbrook. The sessions will be taken by Greg McCabe at a cost of £3.00 person. All U16 girls are asked to attend including those moving up from last year’s U14 girls. For further information please contact Mike Mathers on 07841 423103.
U14 Boys
Our U14 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins continue to train away ahead of the upcoming season.
U14 Girls
Training for our U14 girls takes place on Thursday evening at the field from 6.30pm – 7.30pm and all girls at this age group are asked to attend. All new players are welcome to attend also.
U12 Boys
Training for our U12 boys continues on Friday evenings in the Abbey at a cost of £2.00 per head from 6.00pm – 7.00pm.
U12 Girls
Sunday morning saw our U12 girls take on Dromintee in a challenge game in Camlough. Both sides, despite the bitter cold conditions, put on a great display of football and a big well done to all. Training continues ry Wednesday night at 7.15pm in Cloughreagh Community Centre and all girls at this age are welcome to attend.
U10s
U10 indoor training continues as normal in Cloughreagh Community Centre every Wednesday night from 8.15pm – 9.15pm and all boys and girls at this age group are welcome to attend. If any club is looking to play challenge games at the U10 age group please contact Damien Beattie on 07733 405769.
U8s
Training for our U8s continues every Sunday morning at the field from 10.00am – 11.00am and all boys and girls at this age group are welcome to attend.
U6s
U6 training continues every Tuesday evening in Bessbrook Community Centre from 6.00pm – 7.00pm and all boys and girls at this age group are welcome to attend.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
Training for all underage camogs takes place in St Paul’s school on Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm – 7.00pm at a cost of £2.00 per person. The club have arranged a few dates for registration: 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th March with camogie membership rates as follows:
U8 - £15.00
U14 - £25.00
Family Offer 2 children over 9 - £45.00
Third Level Student - £30.00
Senior member - £50.00
Registration will take place each Wednesday in St Paul’s before training begins.
Shane O’Neill’s Club Membership for 2018
Club membership is now due and the rates for 2018 are as follows:
Senior Members: £40.00
Cairde Members: £30.00
OAPs & Students: £20.00
U18s: £15.00 for first player in a family, £10.00 for every other player
All membership must be paid before 31st March 2018.
Armagh GAA Club Draw
The club would like to thank everyone who purchased and sold tickets for the upcoming Armagh GAA Club Draw. Our first batch of tickets were handed into the Athletic Grounds last Wednesday night in preparation for the first of the 4 draws which takes place in March with the further three to follow in April, May and June which will see prizes of a Renualt Clio and numerous monthly cash prizes on offer – 2nd prize £3,000; 3rd & 4th prize £1,000; 5th & 6th prize £500; 7th – 16th prize £100.
Club Puffer Jackets
Anyone who wants to order the same club crested puffer jacket as worn by senior ladies’ team, please contact your relevant team manager. The coats are £31.00 for U14 size and £46.00 for adult size.
Club Volunteers
The club is always on the lookout for new volunteers, whatever your skills. Maybe you’ve got time on your hands and fancy doing something different, maybe you’re new to the area and are looking to play a part in the community, perhaps your children or grandchildren are players at the club and you’d like to get involved. Whatever your reasons our doors are always open to new members and new ideas whether it be working with our underage teams, helping with fundraising, washing strips, cleaning, upkeep of the grounds, selling lotto, recruitment, club development, lining out the pitch, doing the gate and a host of other tasks. You can be part of Shane O’Neill’s in so many ways, and you can give as much or as little time as suits you – so why not come along a get involved.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 4, 10, 13 & 26. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The jackpot now stands at a very impressive £7,650.
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A new golfing competition that will see young competitors from around the world descend on Warrenpoint and Kilkeel in August 2018, has been launched by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.
The Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Summer Golf Trophy was launched in Warrenpoint last week.
The Junior Golf Trophy was created in conjunction with the Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch), Irish Ladies Golfing Union Ltd (Northern District) and Royal County Down, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel Golf Clubs.
The Tournament will be open to boys and girls under 18 years of age on 1 January 2018. In addition to the overall prize, which will be open to beginner, advanced and elite golfers, prizes will also be awarded in three age categories - under 18s, under 16s and under 14s. The qualifying tournaments will take place at Kilkeel and Warrenpoint Golf Clubs and the top 20 overall gross scores will qualify to play the championship course on Friday 17 August at the world famous Royal County Down.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Golf Tournament has been created to develop and support grass roots golf in the district and provide junior golfers with an outstanding opportunity to experience great competitions on wonderful courses at top class venues.”
“The aim is for the Junior Golf Tournament to become an established event that offers a regional platform of elite competition which will attract high levels of entrants each year from across the Island of Ireland and beyond. The successful establishment of the Tournament will also serve as a vehicle to showcase the area’s natural beauty and tourist attractions to those who visit from outside the district.
“The Tournament will be competitive, challenging and fun and will help every child enjoy the sport of golf.”
Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch) Chairman, John White said, ”The Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch) is delighted to be associated with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s new golf competition, the Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Golf Summer Trophy. This competition is an excellent stepping stone for juniors between those taking up the game and those that have reached an elite standard, who play in the various GUI/Ulster Branch Championships across the country.”
He continued, “The attraction to families is especially welcomed, with the competitions at Kilkeel and Warrenpoint supplemented by a Flag competition for those not able to play in the Summer Trophy itself. We wish all competitors and their family and friends an enjoyable few days in this very picturesque part of the country.”
The flag competition will run concurrently with the competitions in Kilkeel and Warrenpoint. It is open to boys and girls under 10 years of age and to any golfer under 18 without an official handicap. Starting on the 10th Tee, in 25 shots the golfers will see how far they can get and prizes will be awarded according to age. After the flag competition the club professionals will host a clinic for all participants.
The Newry Mourne and Down Summer Trophy will also run alongside this exciting new junior competition and golfers will play Spa, St Patrick’s Golf Club and Royal County Down Golf Clubs on 15-17 August 2018, for further information go to visitmournemountains.co.uk
Entry fee for the Junior Golf Tournament is £20 which includes the booking fee. To book your space visit newrymournedownsummertrophy.com
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Raphoe 1sts 0-2 Newry 1sts
Newry travelled to Raphoe on Saturday with a depleted team hoping to avenge their cup defeat at Home last week, but with 5 players missing they knew this would be a very tough game.
Newry started brightly with both Keith McWilliams and Alex Irwin having chances in the first 10 minutes. Raphoe could not carve out any clear cut chances as the Newry defence kept them out. Robert Irwin had a great chance for Newry as he broke through from midfield and rounded 2 defenders but his shot went just wide of the post. 0-0 at half time and Newry would have been happy with this.
Early in the second half the visitors took the lead when McWilliams fired the ball into the circle and Alex Irwin deflected the ball brilliantly past the keep with a defender tight against his back.
Raphoe really pushes forward and Beck in the Newry goals had to pull of a great save high to his left from a short corner soon after. Newry’s defence still stood solid against everything that Raphoe could fire at them. Newry should have made it two when Josh Porters shot was cleared off the line, but with 5 minutes remaining it was two when Mathew Russell broke forward on the right hand side and played a great ball across the circle for Alex Irwin to slot Home at the back post. The match ended 2-0. A hard fought victory for Newry.
Team: L. Beck, J. Greer, D. England, A. Baird, R. Irwin, M. Russell, C. McKnight, K. Fletcher, K. McWilliams, A. Irwin, J. Porter
Triple 7 for Newry Ladies.
Newry 7 Donaghadee 1
On Saturday 24th February, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI travelled to Bangor Grammar to play the Donaghadee Ladies 2nd XI away at 1.00 p.m. in 2nd round of Ulster Hockey Junior 8 A league. Newry Ladies were sporting their white playing tops sponsored by the RAF.
Newry won the toss and chose pass back, playing into the freezing cold wind conditions but kept possession of the ball and around the seven minute point left mid Rachel Lockhart dodged through the Donaghadee mids and defence smashing the ball into the Donaghadee circle which allowed left wing Shannen Robinson to deflect the ball putting Newry into a one nil lead. Donaghadee 2nds fought back hard and were the first to be awarded a corner against Newry but failed to score due to the speed of centre back Claire Gamble who was out on the Donaghadee shooter at the same point as their injection and even though Donaghadee slipped the ball out to their left wing, Newry sweeper Laura Simpson foiled their shot on goal with right back Becky Murdock swiftly clearing the ball out. The battle continued between the two teams until the half-time whistle with Newry still in the lead by one goal.
The second half saw Newry pick up their whole game and within 3 minutes the 3 forwards were on the attack switching the ball across from right wing Stephanie Smart to left leaving Robinson to make her second for Newry. One minute later centre forward Laverne Inns, having been taken out by the Donaghadee goalie, scored from a penalty flick. This new found confidence set Newry up for the remainder of the match mids Baird and Davidson slipping the ball to forwards Inns and Robinson who scored consecutively again and again with Robinson scoring 4 in total and Inns a hat trick. Donaghadee ladies kept their heads up and just before the final whistle slipped the ball past the Newry defence putting the ball into the Newry goal scoring their first of the match. Player of the match Shannen Robinson.
Team: Kathryn Baird (Captain), Collette Lambe (goalie), Claire Gamble, Rebekah Murdock. Laura Simpson, Victoria Lewis, Gayle Davidson, Rachel Lockhart, Stephanie Smart, Laverne Inns, Shannen Robinson and Suzy Rollins.
Result:
Newry 2’s 2-2 Kilkeel 3’s
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With Newry Rowing Club at the forefront of reinvigorating Newry Canal as a rowing destination of excellence it's refreshing to hear what others think of the wonderful facility on our doorstep.
Richard Ruggieri the Dublin University Boat Club, Chief Rowing Coach on his very first visit to Newry Canal cited the venue as the "Best 5K to be found"
Trinity College Rowing Club had teams from their Dublin University Women's Boat Club and Dublin University Boat Club on the Canal racing each other earlier this month after their Carrick on Shannon venue was cancelled due to winds.
As David Butler, Admiral, Trinity Rowing commented "We were meant to have a race this weekend in Carrick on Shannon but it was cancelled due to winds and we looked in Blessington, Enniskillen, we looked everywhere around Ireland just to get a training session in, a good competitive session where we could have more than 2 or 3K, and Newry was the only place we could do it, that has a 5K stretch."
David cited the absolutely perfect conditions, great coaching with the opportunity to go along the whole side of the canal and the fact that it's only an hours drive from Dublin as just some reasons why Newry Canal proved to be an ideal venue. The addition of a new pontoon at the Albert Basin for easy access to the canal also came in for much praise.
Trinity Rowing Development officer Charlie Cunningham added "You are almost guaranteed to get on the water here" pointing out they come up to Newry every December.
The organisers were keen to thank Shane Kearney and Newry Rowing Club as well as officials from Newry, Mourne and Down Council who helped make the organising so straightforward.
Newry Rowing Club meet every Sunday at 9.30am at Albert Basin with more outings during the summer months.
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Child Protection / Safeguarding Training
Important notice for all managers/coaches inclusive of U-18 age group down to those working with our youngest ages.
Foundation Course Coaching Course + Child Protection / Safeguarding Training - Friday 23rd February 7pm / Saturday 24th Feb.
There is an open invitation to parents / mentors to join this course this weekend.
Contact Fiachra Bradley for more information.
Please note that all persons working with U18s in GAA must attend Safeguarding / Child protection training. It must be updated every 3 years. As we are a unit of the GAA, only official GAA certification is recognised with regard to this matter.
Craobh Rua encourage all those involved with any of our Underage teams to attend, this includes anyone who normally supports our underage teams in the form of transport, coaching, first aid etc. Attendance will not place any obligations upon those who attend but rather will ensure that they are aware of all matters in relation to Safeguarding - both for the well-being of the young people in our care and our own individual well-being.
O'Neills Club Orders - Update!!!!
Orders that required modifications have been returned to O'Neills, and are scheduled for distribution within the next 2 weeks.
Orders for additional items will be available in 1 month. This is due to a six week lead in time from order being placed to order being ready.
We will notify you with updates when they are received.
Thank you for your continued patience with regard to this matter.
Coaching and Training sessions
U16: Training will continue as normal in preparation for the commencement of the Down U-16 League which sees us paired against Ballycran in Mc Kenna Park this Sunday 25th February in our opening game.Meet Up time for the game is 10am sharp.
U12 & U14
Sunday mornings at the Gardens 3G playing pitch. The sessions start at 10.30am and finish at 11.45am. Lead Coach/Contact Laurence Bradley 07736150103
This will be a skills based session and as ever if any new players wish to come onboard there will be hurls and helmets available for use.
Under 10s (Primary 5 & 6) coaching and training sessions take place each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm in The Gardens 3G pitch in Bessbrook. Lead Coach/Contact Joe McEldowney 07764193978.
Under 8s (Primary 3 & 4) takes place each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm at St. Paul's Highschool Sports Hall. Lead Coach / Contact Micheál Bradley 07907219639.
Rua Ógs (Primary 1 & 2)
Our newly structured hurling nursery Rua Ógs (Primary 1 and 2) coaching continues each Monday night 6:30pm - 7:30pm at St. Paul's Highschool Gymnasium. Lead Coach/Contact Damien Britton 0770679917
Please note these sessions are £2 each for those who are not signed up cairde members.
Parents/Guardians should not hesitate to contact the appropriate Underage Team Mentors for any further information.
Registration
Membership Registration will continue to take place each in St Pauls 6-30 to 7-30 . Feel free to seek further information from Craobh Rua coaches and Coiste members in attendance. Craobh Rua Camlocha extend an invitation to all from our community who might wish to participate in and hopefully enjoy in our Clubs activities.
Membership Registration fees are are follows
Adult Players £60
3rd Level Student Players £30
Youth U18/ Child U9 £15
Adult non Player £20
Adult Concessions £15
Family £120 (There is a Standing Order Facility available for this category)
Craobh Rua Fixtures 2018
U18 A Down League Fixtures (Subject to Change)
Round 1 Páirc Esler, Newry
Michael Cusacks v Craobh Rua 28/3/2018 19:30
Round 2 Camloch Craobh Rua
Craobh Rua v O'Rahillys 4/4/2018 18:45
Round 3 Camloch Craobh Rua
Craobh Rua v Bredagh 11/4/2018 19:00
Round 4 Kilclief Ben Dearg
Kilclief Ben Dearg v Craobh Rua 18/4/2018 19:15
Round 5 Camloch Craobh Rua
Craobh Rua v Ballygalget 25/4/2018 19:30
Round 6 Portaferry
St.Patrick's GAC, Portaferry v Craobh Rua 2/5/2018 19:30
Round 7 Camloch Craobh Rua
Craobh Rua v Ballycran 4/7/2018 19:30
U16 Hurlers - Down League Fixture Details (Subject to change)
Rd 1
Ballycran (U16 A) v Craobh Rua (U16 A) 25/2/2018 12:00pm
Rd2
Ballygalget (U16 A) v Craobh Rua (U16 A) 3/3/2018 17:00
Craobh Rua (U16 A) v St.Patrick's GAC, Portaferry (U16 A) 10/3/2018 17:00
Bredagh (U16 A) v Craobh Rua (U16 A) 24/3/2018 17:00 Cherryvale
Craobh Rua (U16 A) v Bredagh (U16 A) 14/4/2018 17:00
Craobh Rua (U16 A) v Ballycran (U16 A) 22/4/2018 12:00
St.Patrick's GAC, Portaferry (U16 A) v Craobh Rua (U16 A) 6/5/2018 12:00
Craobh Rua (U16 A) v Ballygalget (U16 A) 13/5/2018 12:00
(U14 A) Down Hurling League Division 1 Fixtures (Subject to change & review after round 5)
Round 1
Craobh Rua v Liatroim 13/4/2018 19:00 Camloch Craobh Rua
Round 2
Bredagh v Craobh Rua 20/4/2018 19:15 Cherryvale
Round 3
Ballygalget v Craobh Rua 27/4/2018 19:30 Ballygalget
Round 4
Ballycran v Craobh Rua 4/5/2018 19:30 2018 Ballycran
Round 5
Craobh Rua v St.Patrick's GAC, Portaferry 11/5/2018 19:30 2018 Camloch Craobh Rua
Round 6
Craobh Rua v Ballycran 18/5/2018 19:30 2018 Camloch Craobh Rua
Round 7
St.Patrick's GAC, Portaferry v Craobh Rua 25/5/2018 19:30 Portaferry
Round 8
Craobh Rua v Ballygalget 1/6/2018 19:30 2018 Camloch Craobh Rua
Round 9
Liatroim v Craobh Rua 15/6/2018 19:30 Liatroim
Round 10
Craobh Rua v Bredagh 22/6/2018 19:30 2018 Camloch Craobh Rua
U8 / U10 Hurlers - Blitz Details
Sunday 29 April 2018 Middletown
Sunday 13 May 2018 Sean Treacys
Sunday 27 May 2018 Killeavy
Sunday 10 June 2018 Cuchulainns
Sunday 24 June 2018 Portadown
Sunday 8 July 2018 Derrynoose
Sunday 22 July 2018 Craobh Rua
Sunday 29 July 2018 Keady
Club Activities
Many thanks to the Quays Shopping Centre who hosted our Craobh Rua Hurling Club Information Day. It was an enjoyable experience for all involved. We also appreciate the efforts of our young hurlers who participated and all who helped with organising the event.
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Newry 1’s 1-3 Raphoe 1’s
Raphoe made the long trek from Donegal to face Newry in the quarter final of the Irish Cup on Saturday and came away with the spoils after a lacklustre Newry display. Even though Newry were not at their best they still managed to create a number of clear cut chances which they should have scored with Raphoe not having a single shot on target in the first half. David England found himself one on one with the keeper midway through the first half but a great save kept England from putting Newry in the lead. Again Alex Irwin had another great chance but fired wide from only 7 yards out. And Mathew Russell was also denied by the keeper from a short corner with the rebound cleared off the line from David Andrews.
Newry hard the first of the chances in the second half through a short corner before they took the lead with David England again popping up in the circle to deflect home a cross. Raphoe stepped up a gear and got back on level terms with a back post finish. Only a couple of minutes later they made it two after Newry did not clear the ball from defence. With time running out Newry pushed forward, Mathew Russell hitting the post from a short corner and both Robert Irwin and David England having chances cleared off the line. It was just not to be for the home side, and as they pushed further forward Raphoe were able to break away and score their third goal with only their third shot on target of the game.
Team: Beck, J. Greer, D. England, D. Hogg, A. Baird, N. McKnight, R. Irwin, C. Henning, K. McWilliams, A. Irwin, M. Russell, M. McCullough, D. Andrews
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Elite sports stars including Warrenpoint Town's Anton Reilly are matching their on the pitch commitment to their pursuit of a third level degree after securing a Sports Scholarship with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
“Football is life,” says Anton Reilly (20) with a smile. Anton is a midfielder formerly with Dundalk FC who now kits out for Warrenpoint Town. He is in his third year of a Business and Technology degree course and said that it took time to balance the workloads of both disciplines.
“It is tough as you try to give one hundred percent in sport and in education and there will be times when one suffers and you have to compensate as best you can. I found it tough at the start but I am in 3rd year now and I think I have them balanced quite well now.”
He says the Scholarship team led by Sport and Societies Officer Derek Crilly give practical support. “Derek would compensate you if you say I am going to be late for training because I have to finish my study or I have to hand in an assignment. It is important you are keeping up your grades and keeping up your performance, you can’t be slacking but within reason they do compensate you.”
“If you are thinking of applying, I would say do not be afraid and believe in your ability to get the scholarship. There are huge benefits and it definitely opens up opportunities.”
Sophie Watters (19) who has played soccer for Ireland at U 17 and U 19 level said, “I transferred to DkIT and applied for the scholarship while I was doing a PLC in O’Fiach College in Dundalk.”
She began her football with local teams in Louth and is now playing for Shelbourne FCs’ senior women’s team.
“I am in my first year of ‘Sports, Exercise and Enterprise and it is something I was always interested in.” After year three Sophie will have to pick between sport and business for her Level 8 in year 4 and she said, “At the moment I think I will pick sport.”
“I’d encourage girls to come here, it is very good and everyone is very helpful. “When you are playing at a high level you obviously want to keep playing as at high a level as you can, you don’t really want to drop unless you have to.”
Past scholarship winners include Dublin GAA Ladies All Star Carla Rowe (22) and Republic of Ireland U17 and Dundalk FC midfielder Georgie Poynton.
Derek Crilly, DkIT’s Sports and Societies Officer, said, “we award up to 15 Sports Scholarships each year in team and individual sports including athletics, gaelic, soccer, rugby, Paralympics and surfing.”
“There is a substantial bursary and access to expert coaching and training as well as support including physiotherapy. We want our students to do their best on and off the field.”
The scholarship also includes extensive sport welfare support, including an intensive strength and conditioning programme, sports science training, fitness testing, nutrition advice, sports psychology and physiotherapy. Students also receive open access to the Institute’s new, state-of-the-art indoor sports facility, DkIT Sport.
Teams at DkIT can avail of the indoor training pitch, sessions take place on the strength and conditioning area and scholars can freely use leisure facilities to assist with recovery from training and matches.
Applications for the Sports Scholarship 2018 are now open and available to incoming first year students. Interested applicants should visit: www.dkit.ie
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