Football

Queen's University to recognise future stars of Gaelic games

Ulster Colleges treasurer Seán McGourty, Queen’s GAA Academy athlete Martin Clarke and Danske Bank head of marketing Nicola McCleery launch the Danske Bank Queen’s University Future Stars Awards Scheme at Queen’s alongside Future Stars final trialists Fintan Canavan (St Patrick’s, Downpatrick) and Jack Lenehan (St Ronan’s, Lurgan)
Ulster Colleges treasurer Seán McGourty, Queen’s GAA Academy athlete Martin Clarke and Danske Bank head of marketing Nicola McCleery launch the Danske Bank Queen’s University Future Stars Awards Scheme at Queen’s alongside Future Ulster Colleges treasurer Seán McGourty, Queen’s GAA Academy athlete Martin Clarke and Danske Bank head of marketing Nicola McCleery launch the Danske Bank Queen’s University Future Stars Awards Scheme at Queen’s alongside Future Stars final trialists Fintan Canavan (St Patrick’s, Downpatrick) and Jack Lenehan (St Ronan’s, Lurgan)

QUEEN'S GAA Academy have joined forces with the Ulster Colleges to launch an innovative Allstar scheme for players competing in year 12 competitions, including the Rannafast and Rafferty Cups.

The initiative will select an Allstar team on the back of a trial process, with all of this hosted at the superb GAA facilities at Upper Malone.

“The Danske Bank Queen’s University Future Stars initiative gives Queen’s an opportunity to recognise and support those players beginning to show potential to push on and make an impact at MacRory Cup and county minor level,” said Queen’s GAA development officer Aidan O’Rourke.

“Year 12 is a fantastic grade of football. Every schoolboy in Ulster has the opportunity to represent his school at their relevant level and, therefore, the opportunity to win an award. We hope to support not only the eventual winners, but each player who managed to reach the final trial from an academic and sporting perspective.”

O’Rourke added: “These young men and their parents are entering a phase of their academic and sporting lives that can be difficult to navigate.

“GCSEs and Leaving Cert exams, subject choices for next steps and potential third level and career decisions are imminent and we have very experienced staff in these areas."

Ulster Colleges secretary Séamus Woods praised the new Future Stars scheme.

“Queen’s University have supported the work of the Ulster Colleges at all levels and we welcome this new Future Stars initiative as an opportunity to raise the profile of our games,” said Woods.

The award winners will be honoured with a dinner at Queen’s University’s Great Hall on Monday, December 21 and will receive unique Under Armour Queen’s GAA playing kits.