GAA stars graduate at local university

Local GAA stars Matthew Whittaker and Declan Kenny are among three provincial title winners celebrating graduation from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone this week.

Tubberclair's Whittaker was a star performer for Westmeath as they memorably became Leinster senior football champions this year, while Kenny, from the Padraig Pearses club in south Roscommon, was part of the Roscommon panel which claimed the equivalent title in Connacht.

Whittaker's Lake County team-mate Brían Cooney was also among the graduates this week.

Matthew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice.

The Westmeath star said: “I am absolutely delighted to get through the four years. It feels like an age ago that we started and we never thought this day would come, but it is great to be moving to the next chapter of our lives. The last 12 months have been great. We won the county intermediate title with the club, won the Leinster title with Westmeath and now, to top it off with this, it has been brilliant.”

Declan, captain of Pádraig Pearses, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physical Activity and Health Science.

Declan said: “I am delighted to be graduating and I loved my time at TUS, including playing with the football team. Playing with lads from different counties was a brilliant experience. It is a great college with a great sports department, a great set-up and really well run.”

Cooney, who plays his club football with Coralstown/Kinnegad, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology.

The trio has played together in TUS colours and took time to do some solos after the conferring with President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane.