A Clare woman is among four students to have been awarded a bursary in honour of the late Tipperary ladies footballer Rachel Kenneally.
Last February, Mary Immaculate College (MIC) announced the Rachel Kenneally Memorial Award, a bursary scheme funded by Munster LGFA in honour of Rachel who sadly passed away in 2018 at the age of 26.
Kilmihil’s Micaela Glynn is one of the first cohort of students to receive a bursary under this scheme with each bursary valued at €750 along with Sophie Hennessey (Carrigkerry, Limerick), Fiona Keating (Courcey Rovers, Cork) and Kate Hickey (Kilbrien, Waterford).
Goalkeeper on the Clare intermediate ladies football side, Micaela is in her first year studying to become a primary school teacher. The continued absence of team training has been difficult, she admitted. “I miss the environment, as well as the support from my team mates and management who make it all worthwhile. I can’t wait to be back on the pitch playing football with those who I’ve grown up playing with. At the end of the day, it’s them I have to thank for my love of sport and I look forward to the competitiveness and group challenges to be back again,” the 2019 senior championship winner outlined.
Speaking at the inaugural online presentation of the bursaries, President of MIC, Eugene Wall stated, “We are delighted to be able to honour MIC graduate, Rachel Kenneally in this way and these awards reflect our commitment to the development of high value scholarship initiatives and award schemes”.
Rachel Kenneally graduated from MIC in 2013 having studied to become a primary teacher. The Aherlow club player was an integral member of the MIC ladies football team that were crowned Giles Cup champions in 2012 and having made her debut for the Tipperary senior ladies football team in 2009, Rachel played inter-county ladies football until 2014.
Her father, Denis told the online presentation, “It is a huge honour for Mary (Rachel’s mother) and I, as well as Rachel’s sisters, Laura and Louise in Australia, and her extended family, for Rachel to be remembered in this way. We would like to congratulate the winners and also commend all of those who applied for this bursary scheme. It is a very difficult time for all but especially for young students. Rachel would be so proud of you all. Never give up hope – tomorrow is a new day”.
