University of Limerick showcases Ireland’s next generation of sporting talent at 2025 Scholarship Awards

A RECORD 140 sports scholars have been awarded scholarships, the largest cohort in the history of the programme.

UL hosted its largest ever Sports Scholarship Academy Awards ceremony this Tuesday night at an event on campus attended by the students, their families, staff and two distinguished alumni in World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Lynne Cantwell and High-Performance Swim Coach John Szaranek.

This year’s scholars represent 27 counties across Ireland, with the biggest numbers coming from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Cork, Galway, and Mayo.

The group spans 25 different sporting disciplines, reflecting the depth and diversity of high-performance talent choosing UL.

The 2025 group includes 47 new scholars and 24 freshers embarking on their dual journey of excellence in sports and academics at UL.

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The ceremony highlighted UL’s position as Ireland’s leading university for high-calibre sports performance.

Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins addressed the sports scholars and invited guests and congratulated them, emphasising the extraordinary commitment behind each of their achievements.

“At University of Limerick, sport is not just an activity, it is part of our DNA, woven into the culture and values that help define who we are. This awards event helps UL celebrate students whose exceptional athletic achievements and unwavering dedication exemplify the very best of high performance. These scholars remind us that excellence in sport and academic pursuits can thrive together when supported by a university committed to holistic development.

“Through our partnerships with national associations and sporting bodies, and through continued investment in world-class facilities and support structures, UL proudly nurtures talent that inspires community pride and elevates our reputation on the global stage. To every scholar, I say: embrace this opportunity, unleash your potential, and know that UL stands firmly behind you as you pursue greatness in both your studies and your sport.”

Launched in 2016, the UL Sports Scholarship Programme offers financial support and full and flexible high-performance structures that includes access to UL’s elite training environment, sports science expertise, academic supports and individual holistic athletic development.

This is reflected in the success of sports scholars who have gone on to excel across national teams, professional leagues, Olympic and Paralympic pathways, and leadership roles within sport.

Neasa O’Donnell, Head of Student Sport at UL, said the continued growth of the programme represents the ambition and potential of student-athletes choosing UL.

“The continued growth of our scholarship programme reflects the strength of our high-performance system. It’s a structure designed to support top-tier sporting talent, challenge ambition and give our scholars every opportunity to thrive. They choose UL because the structures in place here are designed to help them excel, with world-class coaching, academic flexibility and the right supports making high performance achievable.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have a High-Performance Athlete Policy in place and strong collaboration with our academic colleagues right across the university. That partnership is a big part of why our scholars thrive, supporting them to excel in their sport and the structure to perform just as strongly in their studies. Tonight is about recognising what they’ve already achieved and the potential they’re only beginning to tap into.”

The celebration was further elevated by a panel discussion featuring Lynne Cantwell and John Szaranek.

Lynne spoke about her early days in UL and how the inclusive and accessible environment on campus helped her move from athletics into rugby.

She talked through her journey from player to coach and now to Head of Strategy for Women’s Rugby in the IRFU, highlighting the need for equitable funding in the women’s game and how the way we design sporting environments can help more women see themselves in sport.

John shared insights from his work as a swim coach, where he is responsible for guiding Ireland’s next generation of high-performance swimmers, including UL sports scholars John Shortt, Ellie McCartney, Eoin Corby, Jack Cassin, Evan Bailey and Paralympian Róisín Ní Riain.

Róisín, along with her teammates, won a record-breaking 14 European and World medals this summer and set multiple new national swimming records.

The evening also featured a video message of congratulations from RTÉ Sports Broadcaster Jacqui Hurley, and the unveiling of UL’s new sports scholarship video, Unleash Your Best.

The UL Sports Scholarship Programme continues to set the standard for elite student athlete development in Ireland, powered by world-class facilities, expert support staff and a strong culture of collaboration across the campus between academic and sports colleagues.

With this year’s record-breaking cohort, UL has further strengthened its position as a leading destination for student-athletes with the highest sporting ambitions, giving every sports scholar the opportunity to unleash their best.