At the presentation of the Kepak bursary to Dunboyne and Meath’s Emma Duggan were Mick O’Dowd (Kepak), Marie Duggan, Emma Duggan, Liam Duggan and Colm McManus (Meath LGFA chairman).

Meath LGFA Bursary awards

In a new initiative, Meath LGFA offered bursaries for first year college students for the 2021/22 academic year with Dunboyne's Emma Duggan and Donaghmore/Ashbourne's Katie Carragher the first recipients.

Carragher received the Audrey Cassidy Bursary of €1,000 which was presented by Audrey's husband Michael. Following a brave battle with illness, Audrey passed away in June 2020.

As a mentor with the Meath underage teams over the years, Audrey took great pride in seeing players make progress, and would have been delighted to see players who were in underage teams she was involved with lift the coveted Brendan Martin Cup in September.

Katie Carragher’s genuine love and passion for the game of Ladies Football was evident throughout her application.

Despite her young years she plays senior football with Donaghmore/Ashbourne and has taken ownership of the specialised and pivotal position of full-back.

Her coach describes her as honest, brave and dedicated, with a maturity and calmness beyond her years.

Not only is Katie an integral part of her club as a player, but gives back every weekend either coaching younger players, refereeing or volunteering at club events. During her Transition Year she completed her Foundation Coaching course and coached in the local primary schools.

Katie is studying Sports Science and Health in DCU and has joined their LGFA team. It is clear she has already impressed her coaches as she captained her college team to victory in their recent Lagan Cup final. Katie is an inspiring and positive role model to young and old in her club.

The Kepak Bursary of €1,500 is presented to Emma Duggan by the key county sponsor and Kepak are delighted to be supporting Meath LGFA on this journey and the bursary programme aims to support players off the field as well.

"It is a really exciting time to be a ladies footballer in Meath and the recent All-Ireland success has not only provided real role models for the next generation, but has also showcased the work that is ongoing across the county at club and school level," said Mick O'Dowd, Kepak Agri-Business Development manager

Emma Duggan, the talented young Dunboyne player has won the admiration and respect of every sportsperson both young and old in this country.

In the same year as she completed her Leaving Cert under challenging conditions, she managed to win an All-Ireland IFC, a NFL Div 2, and an All-Ireland SFC title with her county.

It was no surprise that Emma won an All-star award for her performances for Meath, as her ability to score goals not only secured her team a place in the All-Ireland final but also ensured victory on the day.

Emma’s commitment and devotion to Ladies Football was evident throughout her application as she describes being thrilled that so much of her time is taken up with preparing for club, county and college football. Following a historical journey at county level Emma was proud to tog out with her club Dunboyne to win the Meath SFC and followed that by winning the Leinster Club SFC.

Nominated for both Senior LGFA Player of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the Year Emma has opened the door for every young aspiring footballer to realise their dreams.

*Both bios were written by Mary O’Shaughnessy who was chair of the Bursary Subcommittee along with Ellie Lane, Ger Doherty, Irene Munnelly and Jenny Rispin.