Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) and CLG Dhún na nGall signed year two of a three year memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday 6 December 2017. This MoU signed by Sean Dunnion, Cathaoirleach, CLG Dhún na nGall, and Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT, formalises the strong working relationship between both organisations and recognises the opportunity to develop significant value in civic and community contribution.
Speaking at the signing, Sean Dunnion stated, “We believe this MoU will be mutually beneficial to both CLG Dhún na nGall and Letterkenny Institute of Technology. LYIT are providing us with a top-class menu of services that we can use in the preparation of our county teams and development squads in both hurling and football. LYIT are also providing opportunities for current underage players completing their Leaving Certificate and current/former adult county players to return to education for part-time programmes. There is tremendous value in Donegal GAA having an Education and Lifestyle Partner of the scale of Letterkenny Institute of Technology and we strongly believe that this co-operation will reciprocate in value to the Institute with one of their strategic objectives being to increase their capacity to serve the people of County Donegal on a wider and stronger basis”.
Recognising the pivotal roles that both CLG Dhún na nGall and LYIT have within County Donegal, this partnership enables both organisations to tap into the resources they already have in place. LYIT recently made significant investments in their new Sports Performance Laboratory and their sports staff expertise. They currently offer a Higher Certificate in Sports Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Sports & Exercise with degree award options in Performance or Physical Education as CAO offerings, and a Certificate in Principles of Sports Nutrition as a part-time offering. This MoU will allow various intercounty teams and development squads to avail of these facilities. LYIT will provide a mix of performance/functional testing, general/technical workshops and access to teaching and campus facilities.
In addition, recognising that it is important to look after players off the field, education scholarships and lifestyle/employability planning seminars for both full-time and part-time courses at LYIT will be awarded to Donegal intercounty players for the forthcoming two years. For the academic year 2017/2018, there were three recipients of the GAA Scholarships, namely Shane McColgab, Karl McGlynn And Declan Ward. This is a positive development for CLG Dhún na nGall, as it is enabling career development for these athletes. Speaking about this development, Karl Lacey, past Donegal intercounty player, current member of management team for Donegal intercountry team stated, “It is a really positive advancement to see this agreement being developed between LYIT and the Donegal County Board. Due to the current level of performance expected of an intercounty player, it is great to have the opportunity to avail of state-of-the-art sports facilities at LYIT. With the recent investment in their new sports laboratory, LYIT’s facilities are as good as any I have seen throughout the country. Also, I believe all players will hugely welcome the addition of the LYIT education scholarships. It provides an intercounty player (be it at minor or senior level) an opportunity to study locally, either at degree or postgraduate level, allowing them the opportunity to develop a career whilst still being able to train and play for Donegal. This agreement now makes it easier to juggle both”.
Paul Hannigan stated, “LYIT has at its core the provision of ‘opportunities for all’. This agreement with CLG Dhún na nGall allows us to create more opportunities both for the Institute and the county’s Gaelic Games athletes. It is a statement of intent from the Institute and represents a step change in our approach to supporting competitive sport”.
Both partners look forward to forging a strong working relationship in the coming year.
Photo caption: Sean Dunnion, Cathaoirleach, CLG Dhún na nGall, with Paul Hannigan, President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT), signing year 2 of a 3-year memorandum of understanding on behalf of both organisations on Wednesday 6 December 2017. Also in the picture (from L-R) are: Conor McDermot, Coaching Officer with CLG Dhún na nGall, along with Billy Bennett, Michael Margey and John Andy Bonar, members of the LYIT Executive Board. GAA players and LYIT GAA scholarship recipients (from L-R) Shane McColgan, Karl McGlynn and Declan Ward were also in attendance.