Leading Construction and Waste Management business, McQuillan Companies, has this week announced a new 3-year sponsorship with Ulster University as part of its developing excellence in industry through education and sport.  The sponsorship with Ulster running from 2023-2026 will see McQuillan Companies sponsor the Gaelic Academy which is this year celebrating 50 years, supporting its football, hurling, camogie and handball teams, and providing a kit van for use by the Academy over the 3 years.

Established over 125 years ago, McQuillan Companies portfolio includes civil engineering, demolition, quarrying, waste, environmental and facilities management, and works actively within the educational space to provide placement, graduate and recruitment opportunities to students coming from the local universities including Ulster and Queen’s Universities.  The company is actively seeking to embed its business within university life, appreciating the importance of sport in working life and studies, and the need to find balance and wellbeing.

The 3-year sponsorship with Ulster is a further affirmation of McQuillan Companies desire to create a platform for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field, reinforcing the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, and enabling sport as an outlet for students away from studies to invest in their wellbeing.  Ulster University Gaelic Academy has a rich history of success since it was established and has produced numerous accomplished award-winning players, coaches and managers over the years across camogie, hurling, handball and football. The support from McQuillan Companies’ with the provision of a van will enable the Gaelic Academy to deliver its Talented Athlete Entry Scheme, designed to assist talented young sports performers in gaining access to a quality education at Ulster University whilst attaining success at the highest levels within their chosen sport.  The vehicle will be used across visits to second level schools for engagement on the scheme, as well as for matches and training activities across the university Gaelic sports.

Commenting on the partnership with Ulster University Gaelic Academy, Ronan McQuillan, Director at McQuillan Companies, said; “We are delighted to create this partnership with Ulster University to support their Gaelic Academy as it develops its student-athletes in their pursuit of Gaelic sports alongside their respective studies. 

As a large family business, we understand the importance of sport within education and life in general. We have members of staff who have represented the university as well as many more who have watched from the sidelines across many sports as family and friends.  We see this partnership as an affirmation of our commitment to communities developing their young people, helping nurture excellence through sport and education, and supporting through sports the next generation of experts in their careers.  Our company fully understands the need for sport and social activities to balance out learning, and this sponsorship with the university further reflects our shared commitment to fostering growth, leadership, and community engagement, and we are excited to see it develop and excel.”

“Supporting the Academy deliver its Talented Athlete Entry Scheme through the provision of a vehicle reflects the importance of developing talent inside and outside of education, to create and support future professionals across all disciplines.  The van will be used to help inform and recruit students for the next 3 academic years and will help the university bring its message to schools, as well as provide transport to games and training.  It will be brilliant to see where the van gets to!” Ronan added.

Welcoming the partnership Dr John Farrell, President of Ulster University Gaelic Academy added; “We are delighted to have McQuillan Companies on board as sponsors of the university Gaelic Academy and are delighted with the new kit sponsorship and the kit van, which will be a great help for games and transport during the Gaelic season. This 3-year partnership is important to Ulster as it provides our student-athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to compete at the highest level in Gaelic here at the University, whilst at the same time supporting their academic attainments them through their studies.”

The new Gaelic Academy sponsorship is a testament to McQuillan Companies’ dedication to community involvement and its belief in the power of sports to inspire and drive positive change. By supporting the prestigious Gaelic Academy programme at Ulster University, McQuillan Companies aims to contribute to the overall development and success of student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits.

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