Westport GAA recently presented bursaries sponsored by Portwest to players attending 3rd level education. Young players from all sections of the club are supported in college through this local scheme and assisted in striving to become better players for their team and county. One of the few if not the only club in the country running this scheme, the bursaries mirror the criteria set out by Connacht Council/Croke Park. Applications are judged by an independent selection committee which includes representatives from Mayo GAA, Connacht Council and sponsors Portwest.

Presenting the bursaries on behalf of Portwest, Harry Hughes congratulated all bursary recipients and commended them for the incredible level of commitment they demonstrated to reach such a high level. “Portwest are delighted to support Westport GAA in their drive to make it one of the top clubs in the country. This scheme is just a piece in the jigsaw which we hope will help you to achieve this goal”. Chairman of Mayo County Board Seamus Tuohy added “Westport are now producing many young players who are capable of wearing the county jersey and it’s fantastic to see the club, through its sponsor Portwest, providing support through a bursary scheme”.

Club Chairman Charlie Lambert expressed gratitude to Harry and Cathal Hughes and to Portwest for their continued support of the club as well as Mayo GAA and Connacht Council for their assistance in administering the bursary fund. In addition, Charlie paid a special tribute to former Club President Paddy Muldoon who was instrumental in establishing the initiative.

Full list of recipients:
Aaron Ketterick
Ava Lambert
Darren McGuire
Padraic Murphy (absent from photo)
Eanna Varley
Jamie Hoban
Joe Grady (absent from photo)
Orla Mulloy