BIG INTERVIEW: Much-loved Tipperary camogie star talks balancing sports and academics

Tipperary camogie star Eimear McGrath's time at University of Limerick was full of both academic and athletic achievements. 

The Loughmore, County Tipperary native graduated this Wednesday with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Irish.

Eimear described UL as the "perfect fit" for her dream to become a PE and Irish secondary school teacher due to its strong focus on sports and connections to her own family. 

Eimear’s dedication to her sport led to her being given a sports scholarship at UL which she has described as a "huge honour and achievement." She added: "Any kind of help or bonuses you can get to improve your sports performance is great, but the sports scholarship programme at UL is fantastic for anyone lucky enough to be selected."

While studying for her degree, Eimear had to juggle balancing her academic as well as sporting career. Despite the challenges, the Drom-Inch club woman was the top scorer across Tipperary’s league campaign and National Camogie League winner with her county this year.

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Following in her sister’s footsteps, Eimear was also an Ashbourne Cup winner at UL this year, describing it as "a big thing for me." Adding that it was her family's deep rooted connection to the GAA that inspired her own journey. 

In regard to balancing her college and sports life, Eimear praises the support she received during her time at UL. She says: “It can be hectic balancing sport and study. But I was very lucky, especially this year, with the support from my Tipperary manager, Denis Kelly. He was very accommodating, which made it easier to focus on one thing at a time.”

The sports star said that it was the friendships she made along the way that will have a lasting impact on her. As Eimear explains: "You’re playing with some of the top players from other counties who you’d probably never encounter otherwise. You make friends for life from it. That’s the unique part of sporting life in college."

She goes on to say: "Tipperary played Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final this year, and at one stage, I was marking Áine Keane, who I have gotten to know very well now in UL. It’s funny because you beat lumps out of each other during the match, and then afterwards you are still friends.”

Eimear now embarks on her new chapter in life as she steps into her teaching career at her former secondary school in Thurles.

With her experiences from her time at UL, Eimear says: "I’ve learned an awful lot. I’ve learned a lot about myself and about teaching along the way. Hopefully, some of the lessons I’ve learned will stand to me in my career in teaching, in my sport, and in life in general."