Joseph Keaney – BBs (Hons) in Sports with Business

Name: Joseph Keaney

School: Grange Post Primary, Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course 

I am from Grange in County Sligo and I play Gaelic Football. I chose this course as it was highly recommended by former graduates of the course that I knew. Also, the course is very broad and explores a lot of interesting modules such as Exercise and Health Psychology, Gym Instruction and Nutrition and Performance alongside all your traditional business modules like Marketing, Accounting and Economics. This appealed to me very much. I was extremely interested in both business and sport and this course was the ideal choice for me. I also coach every weekend in the club with the u10 boys’ team. 

Why did you choose ATU Sligo? 

I chose ATU Sligo because of its reputation of being one of the top third level institutions or universities in the country. I also knew of its excellent sports facilities having used them on occasions playing soccer, basketball and GAA there with various teams I was involved with in the past. I also have friends and family who have attended the college in the past.  

What advice would you give someone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo? 

I would strongly advise anyone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo to go for it because of how good the quality of education is. There is also a great opportunity to play with and against some of the best athletes in your chosen sport.  

Do you like Sligo as a student town? e.g., things to do, food, nightlife, clubs and societies, accommodation etc. 

I am living at home and this year was my first being on campus for classes. In Sligo there is lots to do, and the nightlife is very good with a lot of different places to visit. There are also many great places for food. I am a member of the colleges 2nd year and senior Gaelic football teams.( Captain of 2nd year team) 

What specifically about your course do you particularly enjoy? 

The course is very broad and explore a lot of interesting modules such as Exercise and Health Psychology, Gym Instruction and Nutrition and performance alongside all your traditional business modules like Marketing, Accounting and Economics, this means that I would have many job opportunities open to me upon graduation and a wide variety of further education opportunities in either business or sport related fields.  

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course? 

I would say to anyone thinking about studying this course to go for it because it  is a great course for people interested in sport or business and have hopes of one day opening their own business. Also, you may find out what your strengths and weaknesses are from doing this course and look to get into that area more. 

Tell us about your sporting career/success so far? 

I been part of various successful underage teams (u14/U16 A championships) in the past with my local GAA club Naomh Molaise Gaels including the clubs first ever County Minor ‘A’ Championship win in 2018 and more recently I captained the team to success in that competition for the second time in 3 years in 2020. 

I have also played on the Sligo U16 GAA team where I captained the team to the Fr Manning cup in 2018. 

In 2019 I played Midfield on the Sligo Minor team that won the Ulster League Shield and reached the Connacht Minor Semi Final beating Mayo, Roscommon, and Leitrim in the Round Robin Fixtures. 

In 2020 I played on the Molaise Gaels men’s team who reached the Sligo Intermediate Final, and this was replicated in 2021.  

2021/2022 will be my 3rd year playing with the Sligo GAA U20s. 

Recently I captained the colleges 2nd Gaelic football team to a win over NUIG in the  ‘A’ Championship All Ireland quarter final and I have also started for both senior men’s league games this year as well. 

What is the best thing about sport and sports facilities at ATU Sligo? 

The sports facilities in ATU Sligo are top class. 

The GAA and Astro turf pitches are as good as you will get anywhere. 

The gym has everything you need and more and the Knocknarea Arena is so versatile and is a huge asset to athletes. 

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are the advantages to it? 

The sports scholarship has helped financially and the use of the gym, when its open is very handy, also the sports gear looks great too. 

Find out more about AU903 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport with Business

Find out more about ATU Sligo Sports Scholarships