Applications have opened for the Oisín McGrath Foundation local sports development bursaries.
The call for applications was officially opened last Thursday, which would have been the Belcoo teen’s fifteenth birthday.

Oisín McGrath was just 13 when he tragically lost his life after an incident in St. Michael’s College in February 2015.

Despite their grief, his parents Sharon and Nigel founded the Oisín McGrath Foundation, which raised £50,000 in the year since Oisín’s passing.

Earlier this year the Oisín McGrath Foundation entered a partnership with the Fermanagh Trust which will managing and administer the foundation’s funds. 
These bursary awards will financially assist young people and sporting groups who are running youth sport projects. “It is our hope to reach many young people and sporting groups who are running youth sport projects and assist them in their sports development. We aim to provide financial support to young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/or ability in the world of sport but may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their goals,” stated Mr. and Mrs. McGrath. 

The Foundation is inspired by Oisín’s life and was formed both to keep his spirit alive and to inspire others. The three strands of the foundation are organ donation awareness, brain injury research and awareness and local youth sports development.

A spokeswoman from the Fermanagh Trust explained: “The fund will accept applications from individuals or groups. The applicants must be between 12 and 16 years of age and must be residents in Fermanagh or the surrounding area. Potential areas of support include provision of equipment, bursaries to assist sporting potential and sporting activities/ events which will develop skills and potential in young people.”

Mr. and Mrs. McGrath commented: “Oisín loved sport and really enjoyed life. The foundation in his memory brings opportunity to others alongside celebrating his life. The generosity of spirit shown by the people of Fermanagh never ceases to amaze us. Thanks to everyone we [were] able to officially open the first call for applications for bursary awards on September 15, Oisín’s birthday.” The closing date for this year’s funding awards is 5pm Monday, October 31.