Limerick Striker Grace McInerney Kicks Off Next Chapter with 9 Distinctions and Gold Football Scholarship
It’s been a standout year for Limerick’s Grace McInerney, both on and off the pitch. The Treaty United Women’s player has graduated from the FAI Player Development Course at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s College of FET, Kilmallock Road Campus, earning an incredible nine distinctions out of nine.
Grace has now begun a new chapter at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), where she is studying Physical Education and Business, supported by a prestigious gold football scholarship recognising her achievements in both sport and study.
A proud Ballysimon native, Grace first played with Fairview Rangers, which was close to her grandparents’ home. “It was an easy choice, I’d known Fairview for years, and it was where it all started for me,” she said.
At Treaty United, she lines out as a right full back “the best of both worlds really, you get to attack and defend,” she smiles. Her love of football runs deep, supported by her family every step of the way. “My parents and older sister have been there since day one, at every training session and match.”
Grace said choosing the FAI Player Development Course was “a no-brainer.” “It gave me the best of both worlds, improving as a player while gaining qualifications. I enjoyed the training sessions most, they felt like a reward for working hard in class.”
Grace pictured with her fellow graduates from the FAI Player Development course (QQI Sports & Recreation) at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Kilmallock Road Campus including L-R Oscar Rixon Todd, cousins Conor Wall and Zygge Wall and Callum O’Connell.
Craig Madigan, FAI ETB Coordinator at the College of FET Kilmallock Road Campus, praised her achievements:
“Grace has been an outstanding student and athlete. Her commitment to both her studies and her development as a player has been exceptional. Achieving nine distinctions and earning a gold scholarship is a testament to her hard work and dedication. We’re incredibly proud of her.”
Grace was among hundreds of students that attended this week’s conferring ceremonies held at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Limerick, marking a proud moment for all graduates from Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET.
Looking ahead, Grace has her sights set on more milestones: “As an individual, I’d love to get my first goal in the league at senior level, but as a team our goal is to stay consistent throughout the campaign and take it week by week.”
Her long-term ambition is clear. “The plan is to play at the highest level for as long as possible and if opportunities come up that can benefit me personally and help my game, I’d definitely look into them.”
Her advice to young girls thinking about sport? “Go for it, you’ll stay fit, make great friends, and do something you love.”
For more information about the FAI Player Development Course (QQI Sports and Recreation) that Grace graduated from visit collegeofFET.ie.
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