Four Portlaoise women flew the flag for Laois at Dublin City University this week when they were awarded scholarships for excellence in sport.
Eimear O’Sullivan and Aoife McNicholl received the scholarships for their contribution to power soccer while Emma Hooban and Eimear Corri received the accolade for rugby.
Eimear O’Sullivan is currently studying science, Emma Hooban is studying nursing, sports science is Eimear Corri’s chosen discipline while Aoife McNicholl is studying psychology.
Eimear and Emma’s DCU ladies rugby team received the Club Of The Year award, having won their very first All-Ireland Women’s Rugby college final against University of Limerick this year.
Last year they reach the final for the first time but were beaten by UL, so that was added incentive for the Dublin university in this year’s final.
Professor Brian MacCraith acknowledged the huge contribution parents and guardians made in facilitating the charges to partake in sport.
He emphasized the positive effect participation in sports had on the mental well-being of students who, by the nature of their studies, are naturally under stress.
He added that involvement in sport at college built a confidence and self-discipline that applied to research and work and was immediately recognizable in later life.
The four recipients are former students of Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise and are testament to the dedication of teachers and coaches in the county.
The Sport Scholarship Programme at DCU provides students with financial assistance towards academic and sporting costs, complimentary gym access on all campuses, strength and conditioning support, academic tuition and educational workshops
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