The annual scholarship forms part of a gift from the Brian Conlon Foundation to Queen’s which honours the legacy of the entrepreneur and accomplished GAA footballer.

The award is made to an outstanding student who has come though the Gaelic Football Future Stars programme and is based on their engagement, attitude, and performance during their first year at Queen’s.

Congratulating Ruairi, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s, Eddie Friel, said: “The Brian Conlon GAA Academy Scholarship is an example of the importance and impact of philanthropy on our students, which allows them to pursue their passion for the sport, and rewards their commitment to excellence and their endeavour.  We very much appreciate the continued support from the Brian Conlon Foundation which serves as an ongoing legacy to Brian, a key player at Queen’s and for his county, Down.”

Brian’s wife Julie Conlon of the Brian Conlon Foundation said: “The Brian Conlon Foundation were delighted to present footballer Ruairi Forbes with the 2024 Brian Conlon GAA scholarship. Ruairi was selected by QUB GAA to receive this award and is an outstanding candidate and very worthy recipient. Like Brian, Ruairi was a prolific minor who has risen through the ranks to senior football at a very young age. He is a footballer with exceptional academic and sporting potential. The Foundation extends its best wishes to Ruairi for success in his academic pursuits and future endeavours in football.”

Ruairi, from BaIIinderry said: “It is an honour to be presented with this award. The Conlon family are esteemed in GAA and the Queen’s community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Brian Conlon Foundation for all their commitment and contributions to the University. I am excited to continue to represent Queen’s and the Foundation in the future.”

John Devaney, Chair of the Queen’s GAA Past Members Union, Chair of Down County Board and former Chair of Queen’s GAA provided an overview of the awards and their place in the heritage of Queen’s GAA, including detail on Brian Conlon's time playing GAA at Queen's.

The Brian Conlon Foundation also funds three posts (a PhD studentship, a Clinical Fellow and a Biobank Technician) dedicated to support vital early detection research of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer research at The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s.

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For further information please contact Ciara O'Neill, Communications Manager at Ciara.ONeill@qub.ac.uk