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ATU celebrates over 180 sports scholars on its Donegal and Sligo campuses
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) celebrated its talented student athletes at recent ceremonies held on the Letterkenny and Sligo campuses. This academic year has seen ATU award 252 Sports Scholarships, and these recent events recognised those who have been awarded scholarships on the Donegal and Sligo campuses.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) celebrated its talented student athletes at recent ceremonies held on the Letterkenny and Sligo campuses. This academic year has seen ATU award 252 Sports Scholarships, and these recent events recognised those who have been awarded scholarships on the Donegal and Sligo campuses.
ATU’s Sports Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive support to student athletes, acknowledging the challenge of balancing sporting excellence with academic success. Scholarships include financial benefits of up to €3,000 per annum, as well as non-financial benefits such as free or reduced-rate access to sports facilities, sports science support, and exclusive scholarship gear.
Rory McMorrow, Student Services Manager at ATU, praised athletes for their commitment:
Balancing elite sport with academic responsibilities is no easy task. These students demonstrate discipline, resilience, and ambition every day, and they are an inspiration to their peers.
The scholars represent a diverse range of sports, from individual disciplines such as swimming, athletics, boxing, golf, cycling, kickboxing, and powerlifting to team sports including soccer, Gaelic football, rugby, hurling, camogie, and basketball. Among the awardees were four sets of siblings, highlighting the strong sporting culture within families.
Special guest Gearóid McDaid, Sligo surfer and recent gold medalist at the Men’s Shortboard Eurosurf 2025, joined ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, in presenting awards at the Sligo event.
ATU currently boasts 78 competitive teams across 22 different sports, with participation continuing to grow across the university. The university also acknowledged the invaluable role of coaches, mentors, staff, and families in supporting these athletes throughout their journey.
Sports scholars based at ATU’s Galway and Mayo campuses will be recognised at an awards ceremony in February 2026.
To learn more about the ATU Sports Scholarship Programme, visit: https://www.atu.ie/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/sports-scholarships
Featured photo caption: Gearoid McDaid, seven-time Irish Senior Surf Champion, at the ATU Sports Scholarship Awards, Sligo Campus.
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: +353 89 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
