FORMER REPUBLIC OF IRELAND captain Roy Keane is to sponsor a soccer scholarship as part of University College Cork’s centenary of sport celebrations.
The Roy Keane UCC Sport 100 Soccer Scholarship and an elite hurling scholarship, sponsored by former Limerick senior hurler Michael J Dowling, will each be worth €20,000 to their recipients over a four-year period.
The two new scholarships, supplementing UCC’s current funding programme for elite athletes, will be available to incoming first year students.
A native of Mayfield, Keane received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from UCC in 2002 in recognition of his contribution to sport and his charitable work.
“I am delighted to support UCC’s centenary of sporting success through this elite sports scholarship,” the Manchester United legend said.
The High Performance Athlete Programme at UCC offers aspiring sports people incredible facilities and opportunities, and this elite scholarship, which is open to female and male soccer players, will provide a promising sportsperson the opportunity to reach the full extent of their abilities and talent.
Dowling, who is now the President and CEO of North Short LIJ Health System, played Fitzgibbon Cup hurling for the university while studying for his Bachelor of Arts and Higher Diploma from 1967-1971.
He received the UCC Alumnus Achievement Award last year.
