Katie Taylor Bursary Opens for Wicklow Athletes in First Year of College

€1,500 a year to support your studies and sporting ambitions

Are you a Wicklow athlete competing at a high level and currently in your first year of college?

Applications are now open for the Katie Taylor Bursary 2026/27, offering €1,500 per year for up to four years to help a successful applicant continue their education alongside their sport.

The bursary is open to male and female athletes across different sports who are currently in first year of a Level 7 or Level 8 undergraduate degree. Your course does not need to be sports-related.

Fully funded by Wicklow County Council, the award supports students facing economic, social or other barriers to combining college education with high-level sporting performance.

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 4 January 2027.

Is this bursary for you?

You may be eligible if you:

• Live in County Wicklow and meet the scheme’s residency requirements.
• Are currently in first year of a Level 7 or Level 8 undergraduate degree in the 2026/27 academic year.
• Excel at your chosen sport and can demonstrate your achievements, potential and dedication.
• Can explain how the bursary would help you overcome barriers to continuing your education and sport.
• Your degree does not need to be sports-related.

Previous recipients have come from a wide range of sports including rugby, boxing and athletics. See past bursary winners.

Who is not eligible?

• Secondary school students, including current sixth-year students.
• Students on PLC or postgraduate courses.
• Applicants applying solely as coaches or officials rather than as competing athletes.

Read the full 2026/27 guidelines for all eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Read the guidelines, then complete all three parts of the application form:

• Part 1: Your details, sporting achievements and personal statements.
• Part 2: Household information, completed by a parent or guardian, or by you if you are a mature student.
• Part 3: A reference completed by your academic/sport referee.

Include any supporting documents requested in the guidelines and application form.

Return your fully completed application by 12 noon on Monday 4 January 2027.

By email:
wicklowlsp@wicklowcoco.ie

By post:
Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership
Wicklow County Council
County Buildings
Wicklow
Co. Wicklow

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. The award and its continuation are subject to the scheme’s terms and conditions.

Questions?

If you are unsure whether the bursary is suitable for you, email wicklowlsp@wicklowcoco.ie or phone 0404 20100.