Longford Sports Bursary now open for aspiring athletes

Applications are now open for the 2026 Longford Sports Bursary which is designed to support Longford's elite and emerging athletes. Former recipients include Cian McPhillips

Published 1st May 2026, 12:59 BST Former bursary recipients Emma Brennan, Cian McPhillips, and John Nevin. Pics by Shelley Corcoran Applications are now open for the 2026 Longford Sports Bursary which is designed to support Longford's elite and emerging athletes. Former recipients include Cian McPhillips Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Sports Bursary, aimed at supporting the county’s most promising sporting talent through the Longford Sports Partnership.

The council-funded bursary is awarded to aspiring and ambitious athletes competing at the highest levels in their chosen sport and is designed to assist individuals with the ability and potential to achieve success at national, European and international level, while also bringing recognition to Longford .

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Last year’s recipients included a number of standout performers across a range of sports.

Among them was international middle-distance runner Cian McPhillips from Ardagh, who enjoyed a remarkable year at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Tokyo, winning his heat and semi-final before finishing fourth in the final.

He also set a new Irish 800m record twice during the competition. Former bursary recipient Cian McPhillips. Pic by Shelley Corcoran

Other awardees included Kenagh athlete Robin Óg Murphy, who claimed gold at the U18 World Athletics Race Walking Tour in Warsaw; swimmer Darragh Greene from Newtownforbes, who represented Ireland at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games; and Longford Town boxer John Nevin, an All-Ireland champion at amateur level. Former bursary recipient Robin Óg Murphy. Pic by Shelley Corcoran

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said the bursary represented both financial support and recognition of dedication and commitment.

“These sports bursaries are a real vote of confidence in our sporting stars," he said. "As well as providing financial support, the awards recognise the hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by our rising athletes." Former bursary recipient John Nevin. Pic by Shelley Corcoran

Cllr Murtagh added, "It is fantastic to see such talent emerging from our county, and we are committed to supporting those who represent us with pride on the national and international stage.”

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Chief Executive of Longford County Council , Paddy Mahon, described the scheme as "a vital investment in the future of the county’s sporting talent," adding, “We strongly encourage all athletes to apply, whether emerging locally or already competing at elite level."

"This is an opportunity to gain support as you strive for excellence and inspire pride in your community.” Former bursary recipient Emma Brennan. Pic by Shelley Corcoran

The bursary is designed to assist with costs including education, training, travel and equipment and is generally open to applicants aged 16 and over, although exceptions may be considered for those competing at an equivalent elite level.

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The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 19 May at 5pm and full criteria and application forms are available from longfordsports.ie or from Longford County Council. For further information, contact [email protected] or call 043 334 3493.

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Related topics: Longford Longford Sport Longford County Council Cian McPhillips Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.