Dundalk IT scholar Aaron O’Neill juggles GAA and college

21-year-old Aaron O’Neill from Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh is a Construction Management student at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

For the Armagh GAA player and past pupil of St. Colman’s College, Newry, it was both the course and DkIT’s accessibility from his home that made it the clear choice for his degree.

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O'Neill said, “It meant I would be able to balance studying and playing football more easily, and from talking to people from Cross who had been to DkIT and really enjoyed it, I thought it would be a great fit.”

Having help from his careers teacher in school made the CAO application very doable for Aaron, and not having to pay rent or move to Belfast made his choice to study at DkIT seem foolproof.

“My dad is a construction manager, and I had been working with him and really enjoyed it, so I felt it was the best thing for me,” according to Aaron.

The practical elements of Construction Management, such as learning to use different equipment and tackling the problems which arise during a construction project, are highlights of the course for him.

As a DkIT scholar, Aaron is hugely involved in the college team and often helps out at different events.

The bursary provided through the scholarship, physio and strength and conditioning sessions, as well as the additional help available, have also been really useful benefits of the scholarship for him.

For anyone considering applying, Aaron says, “Put your name forward, it’s very worthwhile as it offers so much and really adds to the college experience.”

A GAA enthusiast since the age of 5, the sport comes naturally to Aaron, who plays with the Crossmaglen Rangers alongside his brothers.

He has always felt at home on the pitch and the sport is a key part of his identity; “I suppose in Cross you don’t need much encouragement, it’s just what you do”, he said.

He also credits his parents with being a huge influence on his drive to succeed and always encouraging him to be the best he can.

What keeps him coming back is simple: he loves the game. “Being able to express myself and try things is the most enjoyable part - and the feeling of winning, of course.”

Playing in the forward position, Aaron trains at least three times per week. Balancing training and course commitments can be difficult, but he says that he always tries to do what he can and, where possible, not leave tasks to the last minute.

During busy periods like exam season and tough training blocks, Aaron finds looking at the bigger picture to be the best motivation; “I tell myself that it will be all worth it when it’s done, when I have my degree.”

Winning the Armagh senior championship with Crossmaglen Rangers and winning the Trench Cup in the DkIT jersey have been among the proudest moments for Aaron on the pitch.

Looking to the future, he has his sights set on next year’s Sigerson Cup with the DkIT team, and he hopes to continue playing for Crossmaglen and Armagh with plenty of wins along the way.

Learn more about DkIT Sports Scholarships: https://www.dkit.ie/offices/admissions/grants-scholarships/sports