WATCH: Darren Sweetnam keen to pursue “life-long dream” with Goodbody Bursary

Goodbody Stockbrokers stepped into sports sponsorship for the first time last week with a new bursary scheme to be applied through Rugby Players Ireland

As part of the new partnership, Goodbody – Ireland’s longest established stockbroking firm – is sponsoring the ‘Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary’, which is aiding the development and progression of 12 players’ off-field careers and academic studies.

The firm’s market-leading team will also work with Rugby Players Ireland to provide career, business development, retirement transition and financial guidance to their members

One player that will be hoping to benefit from the initiative is Munster and Ireland’s Darren Sweetnam who is looking to qualify as a commercial pilot through the programme.

“I always had a big interest in flying. Even going away on holidays with my family, being on the plane.”

“I was always fascinated at how it works and I always thought it was cool to be soaring across the sky, thousands of feet up off the ground.”

As a full-time professional Rugby player with Munster, Sweetnam is thankful for the opportunity to represent the Province.

However, he acknowledges that Rugby isn’t a sport that can be played for life and he is grateful to the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development with alllowing him the chance to pursue a life long goal off the field.

“I know that although working as a professional rugby player is an exciting and fortunate career to have, it certainly won’t be something I can maintain until retirement age.”

“Becoming a pilot has always been one of my life-long dreams and thanks to the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary, I am going to be able to continue to pursue my dream.”

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Sweetnam is one of 12 recipients of the Goodbody Rugby Players Ireland Personal Development Bursary. They are as follows:

Ciara Griffin, Munster, Ireland Women’s
Claire Boles, Ulster, Ireland Women’s 7s
Claire Keohane, Ireland Women’s 7s
Dorothy Wall, Ireland Women’s 7s
Dylan Tierney, Connacht, Academy
Eoin McKeon, Connacht, Senior 
Hugh O’Sullivan, Leinster, Academy
Tom Daly, Leinster, Senior
Alex McHenry, Munster, Academy
Darren Sweetnam, Munster, Senior
Azur Allison, Ulster, Academy
John Andrew, Ulster, Senior