Leading Construction and Waste Management business, McQuillan Companies, has 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.