Nine elite level players have been awarded sports scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year through Sligo Rovers’ partnership with Atlantic Technological University.

This year’s recipients are Conor Campbell, Emma Doherty, Ciara Henry, Sarah Kiernan, Peter Maguire, Sean McAteer, Gareth McElroy, Kate Nugent and Keela Scanlon.

Each year, ATU offers a limited number of Sligo Rovers players a fee-waiver scholarship which is matched by Rovers.

Players are supported throughout their studies at ATU which ensures they achieve both their academic and sporting goals.

Sligo Rovers Chairman, Tommy Higgins, added: ‘’We are delighted with how our partnership with ATU is progressing. Having a way for our players to balance their academics with their sporting lives is vital in their development and ATU help provide that for us.

“We look forward to continuing to see these players progress over the coming months and beyond and wish them the best of luck in their university studies.’’

Dr Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Research, Innovation and Engagement at ATU Sligo commented: “The ATU partnership with Sligo Rovers has helped to attract students dedicated to playing at elite level, while gaining a university degree.

“At ATU we continue to invest and develop scholarship programmes that meet the needs of our student population, their families and our wider university community.

“We value our partnership with Sligo Rovers in providing these opportunities for our students. We wish the players every success in their studies and on the pitch.”

Football facilitator and Head of ATU Sligo Soccer, Colm Jinks, is thrilled with the level of player the partnership is attracting: “These sports scholarships work for everyone. It is fantastic to support talented young people seeking to fulfil their academic and sporting ambitions.

“We are thrilled to have so many players of elite ability here with us in ATU Sligo who are continuing their development at Sligo Rovers. We have very strong squads across our men’s and women’s teams and are excited for the season ahead with ATU Sligo Soccer.”