Hurling, rugby and soccer stars have a ball at Limerick graduation
The talented sportspeople celebrated their graduation at the university’s Moylish campus
FOUR leading sportspeople from across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary swapped their sporting colours for graduation gowns as they celebrated their academic achievements at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
Munster and Ireland rugby player Chisom Ugwueru, Clare senior hurler Niall O’Farrell, Tipperary senior hurler Seán Keanneally and Treaty United soccer player Colin Conroy were among the graduates conferred at the Moylish Campus in Limerick on Thursday.
The four, who have combined their studies with competing at their respective codes, graduated from programmes within the Department of Sports and Early Childhood Studies.
Limerick soccer player Colin Conroy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies with Sports Management.
“It is a proud moment. Four years done and it was a really enjoyable experience, being able to match up my education and learning with my sporting commitments,” said Colin.
“I am proud of what I have achieved. The lecturers understood when I had sporting commitments and were able to accommodate that, so you can put your best efforts in the classroom and out on the pitch as well.
“There are lovely facilities here, with the astroturf and grass pitches, and alongside my scholarship I had free use of the gym. I am very grateful for all the help I got from them.”
Clare native Chisom Ugwueru graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sports Development and Performance.
“Standing on the stage, I couldn’t believe that I had made it. It is hard to balance everything, the early mornings and the late evenings, and trying to get to college the next day. There were points when I wondered, ‘Can I keep going?” said Chisom.
“I am happy and grateful that TUS helped me throughout the whole process, particularly all the staff in the Sports Office. I don’t know if I would have got here without them. There were days when I had to miss training, or I had to miss college to go training or for matches, so it was hard. There were sacrifices on both ends, but it is great now to be here today. I feel so accomplished. I just wanted to graduate and now I have done it.”
Niall O’Farrell, a member of the Clare senior hurling panel, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with Sports Management.
“It was an enjoyable four years. I made friends for life and learned a lot, which was great,” said Niall.
“The hurling was great too. I met plenty of people and got to play with guys from different counties, which was really enjoyable. The standard is good and getting better.”
Tipperary senior hurler Seán Keanneally also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies with Sports Management.
“It is a big chapter in my life, the last four years, and I am really happy with it,” said Seán.
“Hurling-wise, it was great to be able to suss out what lads like Niall and those from other counties were doing and to learn from them. The facilities here are top class, with two full hurling pitches and lights.”