Keane to fund elite UCC soccer scholarship
The former Ireland and Manchester United star, turned Premier League manager and pundit, has agreed to fund an elite soccer scholarship at University College Cork.
The Roy Keane UCC Sport 100 Soccer Scholarship is one of two scholarships announced by the university yesterday as part of its centenary of sport celebrations.
Along with the Michael J Dowling UCC Sport 100 Hurling Scholarship, they will provide a total of €40,000 over a four-year period.
Mr Keane, who received an honorary doctorate of law from UCC in 2002 in recognition of his contribution to sport and his charitable work, said he was delighted to lend his support to the soccer 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,” he said.
Mr Dowling, president and CEO of US-based North Short LIJ Health System, played Fitzgibbon Cup hurling for UCC while studying for his bachelor of arts and higher diploma from 1967-1971.
He also played hurling for Limerick and received the 2011 UCC Alumnus Achievement.
“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,” he said.
The scholarships are available to incoming first-year students who have already achieved a high standard in their sport and who have the potential for further improvement.
The successful applicant must compete for and become actively involved in the UCC club.
UCC president Dr Michael Murphy said the scholarships will afford the country’s leading athletes and sports students even greater opportunities to shine.
Christine O’Donovan, the university’s director of sport and physical activity, said she hopes to work with other supporters and sponsors to provide more elite sports scholarships.
Applications forms for the sports scholarships are available from the college’s department of sport and physical activity.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, Aug 31.
* For more information, contact b.young@ucc.ie, or call the department on 021 4904752.
