MTU links up with Blackwater Motors to provide support for some of Cork's most promising athletes

Some of the most talented young sportspeople in Cork will have the backing of Blackwater Motors under a new partnership with MTU.

The collaboration between MTU Sports Scholarship Programmes and Blackwater Motors will provide vital support to their elite student athletes as they pursue excellence in both sport and academic life.

There were 92 scholarships distributed across 21 sports at the Cork university this college year. 

Among the high-profile recipients were Cork GAA players Diarmuid Healy, Darragh O'Sullivan, Seán Brady and Orlaith Cahalane. Others of note were Aoife O'Sullivan and Max O'Reilly (athletics), Sophia Monahan (rowing), Eve Prendergast (rugby) and Katie O'Driscoll (ladies football).

Scholarships support the continued development of MTU’s high-performance athletes, helping them balance the demands of elite competition with their academic ambitions. The sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to excellence, ambition, and community development.

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MTU’s Sports Scholarship Programme is recognised nationally for its comprehensive support structure, offering financial assistance, performance services, strength and conditioning, academic flexibility, and access to world-class facilities. The programme has supported athletes competing at regional, national, and international levels across a wide range of sports.

Through this new partnership, Blackwater Motors will contribute resources and support mechanisms designed to enhance the student-athlete experience, ensuring scholars have the tools necessary to succeed both on and off the field.

Deirdre Creedon, MTU Academic Administration & Student Affairs Officer, said: "Blackwater Motors' financial contribution supports MTU's Sports Scholarship Programme which enhances student participation, performance and engagement. This external sponsorship is vital in ensuring the continued success and accessibility of MTU sport. 

"Student Sports Scholarships provide students with an academic-athlete balance, enabling students to excel academically and competitively. We are very grateful to Blackwater Motors for their ongoing support."

Michael O'Brien, Head of Business for Blackwater Motors Group, is no stranger to sporting success having managed the Cork minor footballers to two Munster titles. 

"Blackwater Motors are delighted to continue to support high-performance athletes in their sporting and also academic careers. We wish them all the very best in 2026 and beyond.”