Students benefit from Golf Scholarships in NUI Maynooth

Last September saw the launch of the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarship Programme in NUI Maynooth. 7 boys and 4 girls from various clubs in Ireland were selected on the programme, which is sponsored by the Oceanico Property Development company and run in consultation with the GUI and ILGU Irish golfing unions.

The programme involves coaching, fitness, nutritional and psychological advice and the scholars spend much of their time practising at the National Academy in Carton House, Maynooth and working out in the gym at the University, each up to 4 times weekly. The scholars must also balance their academic commitments in their degree programmes, and find the time to attend lectures, submit assignments and study for exams.

Junior Girl teeing off at Arklow Golf Club

The girls team are coached by David Kearney, ILGU National Coach and the boys team receive coaching from Neil Manchip, the GUI National Coach. In fact the scholars had a worthwhile trip to Portugal for a training week in January, which also included a match against the top amateurs in Portugal. Both teams are fancied to win intervarsity titles, and the men's team made a good start in April, when they defeated UCC in the Irish Colleges Golf Association League finals in Glasson.

One of the scholars, Sarah Cunningham (Ennis GC) is still competing at under 18 level, and has represented Ireland on a number of occasions. She took up golf aged 11 in Ennis Golf Club and has won the Leinster Girls' Championship. Her degree course is in Business and Management, and hopes to make the Irish Ladies team in the near future.

Kelan McDonagh (Athlone GC) , aged 18, has worked hard this season and also has similar ambitions to play on the Irish men's team. Playing off 1, Kelan is coached by Brendan McDaid and is completing a degree in Arts at Maynooth.