Leitrim athletes with 'exceptional talent' need to be supported

A sports bursary should be made available for young individual athletes who have exceptional talent and who in time could achieve recognition at National, European or International levels, Justin Warnock told a meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon this week. 

Cllr Warnock continued that he was aware of a local youngster who was accepted into the DBS International Soccer Academy "which comes at a huge cost to the family. He's a talented young fella and is in Transition Year. I was told at that council didn't have any funding for them."

Cllr Warnock stated: "It's costing about €14,000 for this young fella and maybe one day, he'll make the national team."

The official response from the council said that a draft sports bursary scheme will be developed and presented for consideration to the relevant SPC before the end of June 2026.

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Cllr Warnock noted: "Wouldn't it be a great opportunity to give someone that life. Other local authorities have these bursaries and I think it's something we should have here. We take pride in those who represent but wouldn't it be great but wouldn't it be great for us to be able to say we helped him get where he was going."

Cllr Eddie Mitchell supported the motion saying that "businesses could help the council support this initiative" with Cllr James Gilmartin also lending his support. 

Cllr Gilmartin said: "I'd be concerned about how the money is given out and how to define 'exceptional' but we deal with that down the road."

All councillors supported the motion.