Vision Sports Education Bursary Updates
Oliver Gunning – 2023 recipient
Oliver Gunning is a vision impaired para-triathlete from Northern Ireland and a student at the University of Stirling, where he is studying Professional Education with Physical Education and Sports Science. A former international competitor for both Ireland and Northern Ireland, including at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Oliver has spent the past year rebuilding his fitness and returning to competition following surgery.
Despite the challenges of balancing more than 20 hours of training per week alongside university studies and a month-long teaching placement, Oliver achieved outstanding academic success. He earned a First in the Physical Education component of his degree, remains on track for a strong overall classification, and was recognised as Best Placement Student for his work during his school placement.
In sport, Oliver’s highlight was returning to racing at the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Championships after a lengthy recovery period. While still working towards his previous performance levels, he was delighted with his progress and the opportunity to compete again.
The Vision Sports Ireland Bursary has played a vital role in supporting Oliver’s journey. As a student-athlete living away from home, the bursary has helped ease financial pressures, support the transport of specialist equipment, and allow him to focus on both his studies and sporting ambitions.
Looking ahead, Oliver’s goal is to continue improving and return to international para-triathlon competition. He also hopes to gain additional coaching qualifications in sports such as swimming and athletics, supporting his long-term ambitions of becoming a teacher, coach, and mentor to future athletes.
Oliver expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who supports the bursary programme, particularly Mason Hayes & Curran, for helping vision impaired students and athletes pursue their educational and sporting goals.
Reflecting on the year, Oliver describes it as a period of rebuilding and growth. Returning to competition, achieving strong academic results, being named Best Placement Student, and completing a successful teaching placement have all strengthened his confidence and motivation for the future.
Grace Muldowney – 2024 recipient
Grace Muldowney is a 21-year-old Physiotherapy student at University College Dublin (UCD) and will begin her third year of study in September 2026. A passionate advocate for sport and physical activity, Grace’s main sporting focus is athletics, and this year she took the significant step of joining the UCD Athletics Club. Although it required a great deal of confidence to put herself forward, she describes it as an incredibly rewarding experience that has helped her enjoy running in a more social and supportive environment.
One of Grace’s biggest achievements this year was completing a Pilates Instructor Training Course alongside her studies. The qualification has allowed her to expand her skills in an area she is deeply passionate about and will complement her future career in physiotherapy. Grace hopes to combine physiotherapy and Pilates instruction in the future while continuing to promote accessible physical activity for everyone, regardless of the challenges they may face. She has also volunteered with ChildVision and hopes to deliver Pilates classes as part of their summer camp programme.
The year was not without its challenges. During her first clinical placement as part of her physiotherapy degree, Grace encountered some of the realities of working with a vision impairment in a professional healthcare setting. While she received excellent support and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it also raised concerns about the barriers she may face as a physiotherapist with low vision. Determined not to let these challenges stand in her way, Grace has been working closely with her placement coordinators and Vision Ireland to identify practical solutions and build her confidence for future placements.
The Vision Sports Ireland Bursary has been instrumental in supporting Grace throughout the year. The financial support enabled her to complete her Pilates instructor qualification, an opportunity that would not otherwise have been possible. It has also eased financial pressures, giving her more time to dedicate to sport, exercise and her studies, while allowing her to join the UCD Athletics Club and access facilities such as the swimming pool.
Looking ahead, Grace is focused on continuing her development as a future physiotherapist and finding innovative ways to overcome the challenges associated with her vision impairment. She is also eager to become more involved in para sport, having followed it for many years and recognising the positive impact it could have on her own sporting journey. Increasing her participation in sport and physical activity remains a key goal for the year ahead.
Grace expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors Mason Hayes & Curran who support the Vision Sports Ireland Bursary Programme. She credits the bursary not only with providing valuable financial assistance, but also with giving her confidence, encouragement and belief in her abilities. The support has helped her pursue opportunities that align with her passion for health, fitness and accessibility, while reinforcing that there are people who believe in her potential and want to see her succeed.
Reflecting on the year, Grace describes it as one of personal growth, resilience and self-discovery. From gaining new qualifications and embracing new sporting opportunities to overcoming challenges on clinical placement, she has continued to push herself outside her comfort zone and remains excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.