DkIT sport scholars revealed for 2016/17
DUNDALK Institute of Technology launched its 2016/17 Sports Scholarship Programme with the announcement of its twelve first-year sports scholars last week.
The programme which is now in its third year is generously supported by Dundalk FC, Louth GAA and Dundalk Rugby Club, together with other sponsors in the North East region including Drogheda United. The comprehensive sports development programme is available to both current and incoming students and is a huge draw for prospective students across the North East and beyond.
This year’s DkIT Scholars include Dundalk FC’s midfielder and Captain of the Republic of Ireland Under 19’s, Georgie Poyton together with fellow Dundalk FC teammates, Carlton Ubaezunonu, Emmet Hughes and Keith Dalton. GAA scholarships went to Louth GAA players Robert Curran of Clan na Gael and Ian Connor of Newtown Blues. This year’s rugby scholarship went to Tiernan Gonnelly of Dundalk Rugby Club.
Stephen O’Donnell, captain of Dundalk FC will once again take charge of the DkIT Soccer Team. Under Stephen’s management, the team progressed to the Premiership of the College University Football League (CUFL) and they look forward to a successful season ahead.
Other DkIT Scholars include soccer scholars, Sam Reilly and Dylan Sweeney of Drogheda United FC. GAA scholarships went to Eunan Walsh of Antrim and Colleen McKenna of Armagh and this year DkIT awarded its Athletics Scholarship to Joseph Halwax a 400m hurdler from County Dublin.
Sports and Societies Officer, Derek Crilly who oversees the management of the DkIT Sports Scholarship Programme also said: ‘DkIT has a strong reputation of sporting excellence and our Sports Scholarship Programme helps us support some of our outstanding sporting students throughout their time at DkIT.
‘This year we were spoiled for choice in finding excellent candidates. In addition to superb sporting ability, our final eleven scholars stood out because they displayed commitment to their studies, their role as DkIT ambassadors and their understanding of true sportsmanship.
‘Many of our pervious scholars have gone on to have successful careers both in their sport and in their professional lives – I have no doubt that this year’s intake will do the same.’