Sports scholarships honour UCC students

MEMORIAL scholarships were awarded last night which honoured two young UCC students who died in tragic circumstances.

The UCC scholarships were made to the memory of Jonathan Herlihy and Jason Foley, who were both sporting icons of their generation.

Jonathan Herlihy was just 22-years-old when he drowned trying to save two people at Owenahincha beach. The incident happened in September 2006 and the two people he was trying to save survived.

Jason Foley, from Milebush, Midleton, died on the basketball court of sudden cardiac death syndrome while playing for his local club Glenmary BC.

He was a student of commerce at UCC at the time of his death in 2005.

The Jason Foley Memorial Scholarship was presented by members of his family to David Murphy, one of the stars of the UCC Demons team.

The Jonathan Herlihy Memorial Scholarship was awarded to first year commerce student, William Kearney. Like Jonathan he is also from Glanmire and plays hurling and football with Sarsfields and Glanmire Club. This scholarship was also presented by members of Jonathan’s family and The Jonathan Herlihy Fundraising Committee.

Some 97 students also received scholarship awards from Michael Farrell, acting university secretary. This year, scholarships were awarded in 21 sport disciplines with racquetball being honoured for the first time. The value of a sports scholarship ranges from 500 to 2,000.

More than 400 applications were received with 150 students interviewed and 97 scholarships awarded. The scholarships are primarily funded by UCC’s Department of Physical Education & Sport. This year a number of local businesses offered financial support.