TUS student from Roscommon awarded Dermot Earley bursary for 2026

TUS student Niall Heneghan has been awarded the Dermot Earley bursary for 2026.

Hailing from from Ballinlough, Niall is studying PE Education at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone. He plays for Roscommon U-20's and Michael Glaveys GAA.

The female recipient was Aisling Shanaher from Durrane, who plays for Kilbride. She is studying General Engineering at the University of Limerick.

Cllr Liam Callaghan noted the “remarkable achievements” and “commitment” of all those students who applied for the bursary.

“You represent the very best of Roscommon,” Cllr Callaghan said to Aisling and Niall. “Knowing Dermot Earley, he'd like to see you permforming to the best of your ability.”

Each of the award winners receives a bursary of €1,500 to financially support their academic and sporting ambitions.

The awards are presented in honour of one of Roscommon’s most illustrious sportspersons, who excelled for his county in Gaelic Football and was recognised as one of the country’s leading footballers during his long and decorated career.

Mr. Earley was one of Roscommon’s most well-known sportspersons, and excelled for his county in Gaelic Football. He served with the Irish Defence Forces as Chief of Staff from 2007 until his untimely death in 2010. He also served in a number of roles with the United Nations.

Mr. Earley’s family were represented at the award ceremony by Dermot’s daughter Paula who received a presentation from the local authority marking the family’s support for the county’s emerging young sportsmen and women.