Fermanagh Student Alannah Leonard (18) officially received her Performance Points Sports Scholarship from NUI (National University of Ireland) Galway this week. This is an extension to the already existing Elite Athlete Scholarship. Alannah was 1 of only 11 students to be awarded this scholarship which is designed to help athletes to maintain their academic and sporting progress as they endeavour to achieve in both areas. The scholarship is in recognition of their skill, time and dedication in reaching the highest level in their chosen sport.

Alannah was selected for the scholarship while a student at St Louis, Convent Monaghan following an application form and interview process in April of this year. Alannah who firstly completed her GCSE’s in Mount Lourdes, Enniskillen and in order continue her high level of training transferred to St Louis to complete her Leaving Certificate giving her easy access to both school and her swimming club Sliagh Beagh ASC.

This scholarship was introduced to NUIG in 2014, the assessment for the scholarship is based on sporting achievements and potential as well as evidence of academic achievement and commitment. As a ‘Performance Points’ athlete Alannah will receive benefits which include a subsistence grant, performance supports, gym membership for strength and conditioning and medical support. This support is provided for the duration of Alannah’s undergraduate degree. Alannah is studying Biomedical Science at the university and she would hope to eventually major in either Anatomy or Physiology.

On Monday evening Dr Pat Morgan Vice President for the Student Experience at NUIG, presented 28 athletes with Student Sports Scholarships. Athletes were from a range of sports such as Rugby, Swimming, Gaelic, Golf, Rowing, Athletics and Canoeing. Irish Rugby International Robbie Henshaw, who is also a third year student at NUI Galway made a presentation at the evening with words of encouragement to all the Athletes and praised them on their commitment to their sport.

Alannah is now training with the Connacht Performance Centre based in the Kingfisher complex situated within the university complex. She is in the middle of a heavy training schedule under the watchful eye of High Performance coach Pearse McGuigan.