Ballymahon kayakers share in local authority sports bursary
Two kayakers from Ballymahon were among a group of up-and-coming sportspeople who received financial support from Longford County Council at a recent sports bursary presentation.
Brothers Jake and Luke Bermingham were among ten Longford sportspeople who will share €10,000 in bursary funds from the council to help them in their respective sporting careers.
A native of Colehill, Ballymahon, Jake Bermingham is a freestyle kayaker who has achieved on the international stage.
Just last weekend he had a milestone success at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup in Millau, France, where he earned a gold medal.
He was also placed seventh in the world championships in Germany in 2025. In addition, Jake took first place in the Irish national championship in Limerick last year.
He was placed 15th in European Freestyle Kayak Championships in Austria in 2024 and was also proud to become the Canoeing Ireland Junior Male 'Freestyle Kayaker of the Year' in 2024 and 2025.
Various other achievements include first place in the junior Liffey descent in 2023 and 2024, first place in the Irish Freestyle league 2024 and third place in European Open Championship in Nottingham in 2024.
His brother Luke has also been recognised on the international stage having won a silver medal in the U15 category at the Cadet World Championships in Germany in 2025.
Luke won a gold medal in the U15 and silver medal in the U18 category at the Irish Freestyle Championships in 2025 and he was also placed first in the U15 freestyle competition at the European Open in Nottingham in 2024.
Longford County Council said the bursary awards to sportspeople in the county recognises the achievements of those who have the ability and potential to achieve success nationally and internationally.
“Our sports bursary scheme is about giving practical support at the right time. It helps ease the cost of training and competition, and it gives athletes a better chance to progress," Longford County Council chief executive Paddy Mahon stated.
"Through Longford Sports Partnership, the council is delighted to award these bursaries to support local sportspeople. We hope it helps these athletes to keep moving forward in their chosen sport."
The 10 Longford County Council bursary recipients for 2026 were: Fionn McCormack Crowe (football); Jake Bermingham (kayaking); Darragh Greene (swimming); Robin Óg Murphy (track and field); Joe Shannon (snooker); Emma Brennan (athletics); Calum Duignan (showjumping and equestrian sports); Shane Smith (pool); Emma Murray (golf); Luke Bermingham (kayaking).