Could Longford County Council Sports Bursary help you on your way to greatness?
2026 Sports Bursary now open for applications
Press Release: Friday, 1 May 2026
Longford County Council, through Longford Sports Partnership is pleased to announce that the Longford County Council Sports Bursary for 2026 is now open for applications.
This Longford County Council funded bursary is awarded to aspiring and ambitious individual performers, who are competing and succeeding at the highest sporting levels. These individuals have the ability and potential to bring recognition and success at national, European, and international level in their chosen sport.
Recipients of the Longford County Council Sports Bursary last year included international star Cian McPhillips, a middle-distance athlete from Ardagh. During the Senior World Championships 2025 in Tokyo Cian won his heat and the semi-final and finished an incredible 4th place in the final. During this event he broke the 800m national record in the semi and then again in the final, making him the current national 800m record holder.
Other award winners last year included Robin Óg Murphy a track and field athlete from Kenagh who secured gold in the U18’s World Athletics Race Walking Tour in Warsaw; Darragh Greene a swimmer from Newtownforbes who proudly represented Ireland at the 2024 Paris and 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well as All Ireland winning amateur boxer John Nevin from Longford Town.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “These sports bursaries are a real vote of confidence in our sporting stars. As well as giving financial support, the awards are also a recognition of the hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by our rising stars. It is fantastic to see such great talent emerging from our county and we are committed to supporting these athletes as they represent us with pride and on the national stage.”
Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “This sports bursary programme is a vital investment in the future of our county’s sporting talent. We strongly encourage all athletes to apply whether you are emerging on the local scene or are already established on the national or international stage. This is your opportunity to gain the support you deserve as you strive for excellence and inspire pride in your community.”
Applicants from any sporting field recognised by Sport Ireland must be born or domiciled in County Longford.
Applicants who are competing at national, European or international level and studying or training abroad are eligible to apply.
The award assists in the cost of education, training, travel and equipment.
It will normally be made to those over 16 years of age, however, exceptions to this may be made in the case where a person is competing at national, international or equivalent level, as determined by the chosen sport.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 19 May at 5pm.
Full criteria and application forms are available on Longfordsports.ie or at the following link: LCC Sports Bursary Application Form 2026.
For further information, contact sports@longfordcoco.ie or call 043 334 3493.
