Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, presides at formal presentation of Educational Bursary
Kilmacud Crokes Educational Bursary presented to Conor O Dwyer
For each of the last 9 years, Kilmacud Crokes Hurling section have held a very successful fundraising event, their Punchestown Corporate Race Day, which provides the necessary funds to support the ongoing development of hurling in the club. The recently completed Hurling Wall and Arena in Pairc de Burca at their home-ground in Glenalbyn, Kilmacud is a physical embodiment of the way in which those proceeds have been invested to develop hurling in Kilmacud Crokes.
Testimony to that investment is the large number of hurlers that remain in the club post Leaving Certificate when so many other aspects of life compete for their time and interest at that stage, be it college coursework and/or work.
This year, on foot of an initiative proposed by a club stalwart, Mr Sean Allen, as a means of showing its commitment to its young players, the Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Committee have ring fenced a bursary of €1000 to be issued direct to a third level college as a contribution to tuition fees for an eligible candidate.
Eligible candidates are those students that are currently a Kilmacud Crokes team hurler who was commencing third level education for the first time in September 2012.
In a show of extraordinary generosity, this initiative has been matched by a generous donation from United Drug, to allow for another, second bursary of €1000 to also be awarded.
Expressions of interest were received and entered into a draw. One of the recipients, Conor O’Dwyer, was presented with his cheque by the Minister of Education and Skills, Mr Ruairi Quinn TD, at the Minister’s offices in Marlborough Street today, the 16th November.
Peter Walsh, Chairman of the Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Section, said “In difficult financial times, the hurling section want to give something back to the community which supports the club, and these bursaries will help two of our young sportsmen, while stressing the importance of continuing education and skills attainment to our young people. The hurling section hopes to make this an annual event as it our belief that Sport and Education go hand in hand in enriching the lives of our young people.”
Presenting the award, Minister Quinn expressed his delight at the initiative shown by Kilmacud Crokes Hurling section. "It is heartening to see a sporting organisation consider a holistic view of the young people who participate in sport. Continuing in both sport and third level education produces rounded individuals who are mentally and physically fit. I would like to congratulate the Hurling Section of Kilmacud Crokes in their commitment to supporting third level education for their sportsmen and hope that it will be an on-going initiative. It is easy to see that their investment strategy is paying off with their Senior Hurling County Final win this year, Senior League Final win last year and numerous other teams participating and winning other county championships and league wins at younger age groups throughout the club over the last few years."
To read the Niall Scully's Evening Herald report of the event click HERE
