Awards presentation in DIT for 49 elite student athletes

DIT celebrated its elite student athletes last week when 49 new student athletes were honoured and formally awarded a place on the Institute’s 2016-17 Elite Athlete Support Programme.

Ellen Keane, DIT Elite Athlete and Irish Paralympic Bronze Medallist, accepting her award from Dr. Noel O’Connor, Director of Student Development at DIT.

‌The students represent a wide range of sports - from gaelic games, rugby and soccer to archery, hockey and rowing.  They also represent a wide range of academic subjects, including six postgraduate students.

One of the elite athletes and guest of honour at the dinner was Irish Paralympian and Bronze Medallist, Ellen Keane.  Ellen, who attended the event with her parents Eddie and Laura Keane, was also honoured for her achievements at Paralympic Games in Rio.   Other elite student athletes who have excelled on the national and international stages and were presented with their awards included Barry Fitzpatrick, Irish U/20Rugby; Bill Maher, Tipperary Hurler; Brian Howard Dublin Gaelic Footballer; and Catherine McKeon, Irish Paralympian Rower.

Presenting the awards, the Director of Student Development in DIT,Dr. Noel O’Connor commended the Athlete Support Programme which has helped to raise the profile of sports and recreation across DIT and beyond.  “Our success over the years in high profile tournaments such as Gaelic Football’s Sigerson Cup and outstanding wins in Intervarsity Cricket, Rugby and Hockey, brings huge pride to the Institute – and inspires the next generation of athletes “.

Sinéad McNulty, Head of Sport at DIT, acknowledged the wealth of talent that comes through the doors of DIT each year “Our sports clubs benefit hugely from the knowledge, expertise and experience brought by athletes of the calibre of those here this evening” 

Dr. Noel O’Connor presenting Bill Maher, DIT Elite Student Athlete and Irish U/20 Rugby Squad Member, with his Award

Barry Fitzpatrick, DIT Elite Student Athlete, and Tipperary Hurler and Gaelic Footballer, at the Awards Presentation

For the full list of awardees, including their Sport and their College of study, see below

New Participants of the 2016-2017 Elite Athlete Support Programme

Participants of 2016-17 Elite Athlete Support Programme