National award for GMIT student

CONGRATULATIONS to Ronan O'Neill, a fourth year student of outdoor education in GMIT Mayo, who won the prestigious Student Sport Ireland Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport and clubs and societies during his four years in GMIT Mayo.

Ronan, a native of Malin, and past pupil of Carndonagh Community School, fought off tough competition from nominations from all colleges and universities in the country and following a presentation at the Hilton Templepatrick in Belfast he was awarded the ultimate prize ahead of the other shortlisted candidates from IT Tallaght and DCU.

To give an idea of the calibre of student involved in the process the award was presented by former winner Lindsay Peat from DCU - Lindsay has played basketball for Ireland, won an All-Ireland medal in Gaelic football with Dublin and since winning the SSI leadership award three years ago she has turned her hand to rugby. Incredibly in that short time she has made the national team and is currently preparing for the World Cup and won player of the tournament in this year’s Six Nations Championships.

Ronan's victory has come as no surprise to those who know him in college and upon whose lives he has made such an incredible impact in the last four years. All are delighted that he has been acknowledged at such a prestigious level and congratulate him for that achievement and wish him every success as he embarks on the next chapter following his time in GMIT Mayo.