Meath County Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Meath Sports Bursary Scheme 2026, designed to support talented local athletes competing at national and international levels.

With an initial allocation of €5,000, the scheme aims to assist aspiring sportspeople with the costs of training, coaching, travel, education, and equipment, helping them reach their full potential and represent County Meath on a wider stage.

The bursary is open to amateur athletes from all sports recognised by Sport Ireland who demonstrate strong performance, commitment, and future potential.

Applications are now open

Closing date: Thursday 16 July at 12pm

Apply via: https://ow.ly/oGS750Z7FGW

Meath County Council allocated funding of €5,000 in the 2026 budget towards a Sports Bursary scheme.

The purpose of the scheme is to support and facilitate achievement by aspiring and ambitious individual performers, competing and succeeding at the highest sporting levels, and who have the ability and potential to bring recognition and success at national, European, and international level in their chosen sport. There is no minimum or maximum amount that may be sought, and funding will be allocated based on the merit of applications received.

Details here: https://www.meath.ie/council/council-services/community/community-grants-and-initiatives/meath-county-council-sports-bursary-application-criteria-2026

Application Criteria

1. Awards are granted to individual amateur sports people who have proven ability, have been selected to represent their sport at National, European, or international level and possess the potential to excel and achieve excellence in their sport.
2. Applicants must be born or domiciled (for a period of not less than 12 months) in County Meath. Applicants who are competing at national, European, or international level and studying or training abroad are eligible to apply.
3. The award is designed to assist in the cost of education, coaching and training, travel and equipment.
4. Applications are open to both male and female athletes from any sporting field recognised by Sport Ireland.
5. The award will normally be made to those over 16 years of age in the calendar year in which the award is made. Exceptions to this may be made in the case where a person is competing at national, European, international or equivalent level as determined by the chosen sport.
6. Meath County Council shall retain the right to review the terms of the Bursary on an annual basis.
7. Applicants of the award must make themselves available for photo sessions and other promotional events with and on behalf of Meath County Council.
8. Applications will be independently assessed by the Bursary Committee, on an individual basis, against specific criteria including quality of application, current performance levels, achievements, and future potential. The decision of the Bursary Committee will be final.
9. Applicants may be short listed and may be interviewed as part of the selection process.
10. The recipient will be required to demonstrate that the award has been properly used and must submit evidence of same including receipts and or other documentation requested.
11. Applicants must declare all other sponsorships and grants received.
12. Applicants must conduct him/herself at all times in an appropriate manner and display a positive approach and co-operative behaviour towards his/her NGB, Meath County Council. Athletes involved in the programme are not expected to behave in a manner which is likely to bring the County Council, their respective sport, or NGB, into disrepute.
13. The Meath County Council shall be entitled to recover the award should it be established that it has not been used in an appropriate fashion as detailed on the Bursary Application form or where the recipient behaves in a manner which is likely to bring the County Council into disrepute.
14. The closing date for applications Thursday, 16 July at 12pm.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 16 July at 12pm.

Late applications will not be accepted. Canvassing of any kind will immediately disqualify the applicant for consideration. All queries must be emailed to community@meathcoco.ie

Sports Bursary Guidance Document (MSWORD, 177.73 kb)

*If the form is not appearing correctly on this page please click here to fill out the application form