Local assistance as IT Sligo FC win Rustlers Division 1 final
IT Sligo FC's first team has won the Rustlers Division 1 final after beating Limerick IT by two goals to one.
The team now returns to the Colleges & Universities Football Premier League, the highest division in third level football.
The goals came from Ballyhaunis native Gary Higgins in the 19th minute and a penalty from Niall Brennan in the 73rd minute.
Higgins, Michael Guilfoyle (Foxford), who was named man of the match afterwards, and Darren Murray (Balla) were celebrating victory after the final yesterday (Tuesday) at the FAI headquarters in Abbottstown, Dublin.
The team made it to the final after beating Blanchardstown IT 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the semi-final playoff with the two sides locked at 1-1 after extra time.
It’s the squad’s second big win in just under a week as they overcame GMIT Galway 3-1 to lift the Rustlers CFAI Plate just last Tuesday (March 6).
Many of IT Sligo’s players, including Gary Higgins, are on the institute’s sports scholarship programme, which helps talented student athletes reach their sporting potential.
Up to 20 new scholarships and bursaries are awarded each year under the scheme and students who are rewarded with scholarships benefit from mentoring support, training guidance and other value-added support.
The overall aim of the scheme is to recruit, manage and develop athletes with exceptional ability to position IT Sligo as a premier centre of sporting performance.
Paul Powell, IT Sligo FC treasurer and member of the scholarship committee, said: “I couldn't be happier for this group. The commitment they have shown to the club this year has been second to none. It's a fabulous achievement for the players and at the end of the day it's them who make it happen on the field.
“We hope to keep this group together and strengthen it in the coming months as we look to the challenge of competing with other colleges and universities next season in the CUFL Premier League. But for now, it's a time of reflection, celebration and then for the players to prepare for their final exams.”