DCU reaches for the stars

There are three initiatives at DCU which are generating major interest from young sports stars like Bryan Cullen above. These are the direct entry scheme for the Sport Science and Health programme, the GAA sports scholarship programme and the general sports scholarship scheme.

• Direct entry sports science and health scholarships

While the normal entry level for Sport Science and Health is 450 points, the new direct entry scheme reserves two places on the degree for high quality athletes and coaches who may not qualify for the programme under the normal entry points system.

Current students accepted under the scheme include Bryan Cullen who played centre back on the Dublin minor football team that won the Leinster final last year (he is eligible to play with Dublin again this year); Kevin O'Brien, an under-19 international squash player and David Ashley, a rowing coach for the Irish womens' under-23 squad.

According to Professor Malcolm Smyth, Head of the Centre for Sports Science and Health, these students bring practical experience and enthusiasm which in turn benefit other students on the programme. Details of this year's scheme will be advertised shortly.

• GAA sports scholarships for all DCU programmes

The second initiative is the GAA sports scholarship scheme, open to players of gaelic games who show exceptional promise. The scheme is intended to help athletes reach their full potential in their chosen sport and it is attracting inter-county players at both minor and senior level from all the provinces; this year's recipients include nine football and four hurling players. It is now five years since the scholarship scheme was started, and apart from the thirteen new players who are due to receive their awards in the next two weeks, there are fifteen existing sport stars. Amongst this group, women are much more strongly represented with Ciara McGuinness and Ciara Mulligan, both Monaghan senior players, and Paula Bruen, a Dublin senior.

• General sports scholarships

The third scheme is for players involved in golf, hockey and volleyball who may apply to the Sport and Recreation Officer, Fiona Justin, for a general sports scholarship which provides financial support for coaching, fitness testing and travelling expenses. Outstanding individuals in any other sport should consider applying, as the aim within the university to encourage sporting activity of any kind.

view this year's GAA scholarship recipients
view players currently on GAA scholarships