Top honour for Limerick athletes and academics

SEVERAL top students who attended Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board schools were honoured at a ceremony at Thomond Park.

The ceremony showcased the depth of talent that Limerick and Clare ETB supports through its schools.

Two Olympic athletes, who will represent Team Ireland at Paris 2024, were among those honoured - Róisín Ní Riain and Sarah Lavin.

A Drombanna native, 19-year-old world-class swimmer Róisín, completed her Leaving Certificate last year at Gaelcholáiste Luimnihg in the city.

Described as a delight to teach, Róisín said: “Everyone is so talented and there have been so many great achievements, I’m honoured to be here today and to receive this award.”

Sarah Lavin, 29, from Lisnagry is a former Castletroy College student and is currently Ireland's fastest woman.

Sarah was in a training camp on the day of the awards, preparing for Paris 2024, but her aunt and uncle proudly picked up the award on her behalf.

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This year’s BT Young Scientist winner Seán O’Sullivan from Pallaskenry was also at the event.

Sean, a student at Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, was awarded an ETB bursary worth more than €5,000 which includes professional support in the areas of technology and AI.

Speaking about his achievement Seán said: “It’s incredible, the bursary is going to be so helpful when I move from second to third level education, it will also help support my AI project ‘VerifyMe’ and help with mentorship, guidance and college fees, so I’m very grateful.”