University College Cork has announced new Elite Sports Scholarships as the latest in a series of projects, events and capital developments marking UCC’s centenary of sport, UCC Sport 1911-2011.
UCC’s already successful sports scholarship programme will be supplemented this year by the elite Roy Keane UCC Sport 100 Soccer Scholarship and the Michael J Dowling UCC Sport 100 Hurling Scholarship, and will provide a total of value of €40,000 over a four year period.
Speaking at the announcement of the UCC Elite Sports Scholarships, Roy Keane, former Irish International Soccer player, said:
“I am delighted to support UCC’s centenary of sporting success through this elite sports scholarship. The High Performance Athlete Programme at UCC offers aspiring sports people incredible facilities and opportunities, and this elite scholarship, which is open to female and male soccer players, will provide a promising sportsperson the opportunity to reach the full extent of their abilities and talent”.
Roy Keane received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2002 from UCC in recognition of his contribution to sport and his charitable work.
The elite hurling scholarship is being sponsored by Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO North Short LIJ Health System, who played Fitzgibbon Cup Hurling for UCC while studying for his Bachelor of Arts and Higher Diploma from 1967-1971. Dowling, who received the 2011 UCC Alumnus Achievement Award, spoke from the USA about his commitment to sport at UCC and his support of this elite sports scholarship:
“Sport is hugely important in terms of leadership, personal development, drive and success. UCC has been in the forefront in sports development and facilities through the years, and I am delighted to support this elite sports scholarship in the year that marks UCC’s centenary of sport”.
UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy welcomed the two new scholarships which will afford our leading athletes and sports students even greater opportunities to shine and continue to enhance the positioning and reputation of UCC as a leading university for sport both in Ireland and internationally.
Christine O’ Donovan, Director of Sport & Physical Activity, UCC, stated that she was delighted to have secured these two elite sports scholarships, and would look forward to working with the sponsors in ensuring that UCC attracts high achieving athletes who will be great ambassadors for the scholarships. O’Donovan is hopeful that other sponsors and sports supporters will also lend their backing and support to UCC so that more elite sports scholarships can be provided and continue the tradition of sporting excellence and success at the college.
The Scholarships are available to incoming First Years who have already achieved a high standard in their sport and who have the potential for further improvement. The successful applicant must compete for the UCC club and become actively involved in the UCC club.
Applications forms for sports scholarships are available from the Department of Sport & Physical Activity, UCC. Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 31 August 2012. Interested parties should contact b.young@ucc.ie , tel: 021.4904752 for further details.