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Waterford Institute of Technology recently presented scholarships to students who excel in a range of sports.

Award recipients came from 15 counties and were honoured for their performances in 11 sports.

Making the presentations, WIT President, Prof Kieran Byrne, said sport was a hugely positive aspect of Institute life. “We are tremendously proud of all the young men and women who wear the Institute colours while they study with us at Waterford. In doing so, they continue a great tradition built up over the last 40 years in several sporting codes.

“Sport is one of the great bonds of community and it is a tremendous way for students to mix in a positive context with their peers from around the country and overseas. The discipline and persistence required in achieving excellence at individual and team sports are great life lessons and all part of the education experience.”

Gold scholarships went to Fintan O’Leary, Cork (hurling); Chris O’Connor, Meath (Gaelic football) and Barry Upton, Waterford (athletics).

Silver scholarships were presented to Francesca Reville, Wexford (athletics); Jason Fahey, Clare (athletics); Orla Barry, Cork (athletics); Colm Coss, Laois (Gaelic football); Mark Molloy, Wexford (hurling); Paul Carey, Waterford (soccer); Alan Wren, Kildare (soccer) and Nora Dunphy, Waterford (ladies Gaelic football).

Those receiving bronze scholarships were Adam Heaslip, Waterford (soccer); Zach Shanahan, Waterford (soccer); Lee Dunning, Offaly (Gaelic football); Sean Gaul, Offaly (Gaelic football); Donnacha Tobin, Meath (Gaelic football); Christine O’Gorman, Tipperary (basketball); Michael Dowling, Wicklow (athletics); Patrick Hogan, Waterford (athletics); Patricia Jackman, Waterford (camogie); Fionn McSwiney, Wexford (rugby); Kevin Burns, Waterford (soccer); Luke Harney, Kilkenny (hurling); Shannon McDonagh, Meath (ladies soccer); Ann Marie O’Gorman, Tipperary (ladies Gaelic football); Denise Gaule, Kilkenny (camogie); Katrina Parrock, Wexford (camogie); Katie Power, Wexford (camogie); Eoin Moore, Wexford (hurling); Sarah Anne Fitzgerald, Laois (camogie); Sean Hogan, Limerick (rugby) and Bernard Burke, Galway (hurling).

In addition to the scholarships, a presentation was made by Prof Byrne to Jimmy O’Gorman, outgoing chairman of the GAA Munster Council in recognition of his contribution to our national games.

The Lismore clubman also presented Munster Council scholarships at the reception. These went to Noel Connors, Waterford (hurling); Timmy Hammersley, Tipperary (hurling); Michael Kearney, Cork (hurling); Ray McLoughney, Tipperary (hurling); Ronan Good, Cork (hurling); Wayne Hutchinson, Waterford (hurling); Marie Therese Shortt, Tipperary (camogie); Cillian O’Keeffe, Waterford (Gaelic football) and Adrian Power, Waterford (hurling).

In soccer, the Frank O’Byrne Scholarship was presented to Stephen Cleere by Neil Kelly of Villa FC.

* For further information,

visit www.wit.ie/sportsscholarships