Mayo footballer awarded All-Ireland scholarship

Mayo underage footballer Luke Feeney has seen his achievements recognised as he was one of two Mayo men to receive a scholarship at the All-Ireland Scholarships awards ceremony.

The Ballina Stephenites man, who came off the bench in last week’s Connacht Under-20 Football Championship Final win over Roscommon, was present at the event in the University Concert Hall at the University of Limerick last week. He is a former student of St Muredach's College in Ballina.

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The event, started by JP McManus in 2008, serves to reward those who are exceptional in other fields away from the academic sphere.

A fellow Ballina native, Christopher Lee Lavelle, was the other Mayo man who received the scholarship at the event, which was also attended by the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.

In all, 125 students received the sponsorships from around the country, bringing the total number of recipients to 1924 since the inception of the initiative.

All students receive €6,750 per year, and £5,500 per year in Northern Ireland.

At the event, JP McManus spoke glowingly in congratulating the students, and wished each one the best of luck as they look to further their academic achievements.