How Dundalk IT scholar and Monaghan GAA player balances college life and GAA success

21-year-old Stephen Mooney is a Quantity Surveying student from Cremartin, Co. Monaghan.

A second-year student, Stephen balances his studies with an intense training schedule, playing both for Dundalk Institute of Technology and the Monaghan GAA senior squad.

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Precision is something Stephen needs both in his studies and on the GAA pitch.

Commencing GAA at the age of 4, the DkIT sports scholar plays as a forward for the college and was recently the top scorer for the Institute in the Sigerson Cup campaign, scoring 0-21 over three games. 

A senior player for Monaghan’s Cremartin Shamrocks, Stephen trains between four and five times a week, and says that keeping in routine and aiming to tackle coursework as soon as it's assigned are key to managing his busy schedule.

Having a DkIT sports scholarship is also hugely beneficial when managing such a busy timetable. 

“We can access academic help if needed, we are provided with sports gear, gym and pool membership and access to a physio, which are all really helpful,” according to Stephen.

As ambassadors for the college, scholars then help organise and manage events such as the hugely popular Dundalk 10k run, DkIT Open Days and commit to training and events within their own sport.

It was both the reputation of the Quantity Surveying course and the close proximity to home which led Stephen to the college.

“Quantity Surveying was something I really wanted to study, and it’s great to be able to go home every evening. It really suits my training.”

The course has been designed in line with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) Accreditation Policy and Process, ensuring that it meets a globally recognised standard for surveying education, giving graduates a wealth of opportunities both at home and abroad.

Having a profession in the construction industry which is both practical and focuses on carefully estimating costs, calculating material needs and mapping out project timelines are all hugely appealing to Stephen.

“The course is really practical, and it’s so interesting to see how all the different components of a project come together and managing the figures for various parts.”

Strong numerical and data analysis skills and proficiency with technology and surveying software are some of the key skills needed in the course.

“Everything has to be so specific and precise. You have to make sure all figures and drawings are accurate,” according to Stephen.

Winning the Intermediate League in October 2023, playing at senior level for Monaghan, and DkIT’s 2025 Trench Cup victory are among Stephen’s most proud achievements.

Looking to the future, he has his eyes on graduation and a Quantity Surveying role in addition to many more successes on the GAA pitch.