Oisín McGrath Foundation – funding opportunity

Funding is available for local sports development as Oisín McGrath Foundation bursaries officially open for application – Friday 15th September.

 

Sharon and Nigel McGrath with some of last year’s bursary recipients -  Erne Wrestling, Enniskillen Athletic, Niall Owens and Oisin Cassidy

 

The Oisín McGrath Foundation was formed in memory of 13 year old Oisín McGrath from Belcoo, who lost his life tragically in February 2015.

The Foundation is inspired by Oisín’s life and formed both to keep his spirit alive and to inspire others through his memory. The three strands of the foundation are Organ Donation Awareness, Brain Injury Research and Awareness and Local Youth Sports Development.

Administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the Oisín McGrath Foundation provides financial support to young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/ or ability to the world of sport but may be held back by their financial situation from pursing their goals.

The fund will accept applications from individuals or groups. The applicants must be between 12 and 16 years of age and residents in Fermanagh or the surrounding area.
Potential areas of support include provision of equipment, bursaries to assist sporting potential and sporting activities/ events which will develop skills and potential in young people. Last year the Foundation made four awards; providing bursary awards to Niall Owens and Oisin Cassidy and grants to Enniskillen Athletic Club and Erne Wrestling.

Oisín’s parents Sharon and Nigel commented “We were delighted last year to support a range of sports and individuals through Oisín’s bursaries.  Oisín loved and took part in a variety of sports and so it was fitting that different individuals and groups were provided with this opportunity. Thanks to the continued support for the Foundation by so many, we are able to officially open the second call for applications for bursary awards on 15th September 2017, which would have been Oisín’s 16th birthday. It is again our hope to reach many young people and sporting groups who are running youth sport projects and assist them in their sports development.”

The call for applications coincides with the announcement of the annual 5km / 10km ‘Run / Walk for Oisin’ which takes place at 1pm on Sunday 15th October in Belcoo.    

The closing date for this year’s funding awards is 5pm Tuesday 31st October. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE