Offaly hurler and double Fitzgibbon champion Killian Sampson graduates from UL

Offaly senior hurler and Fitzgibbon Cup champion Killian Sampson added another title to his name this week as he celebrated his graduation from University of Limerick.

Killian was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts degree – majoring in Irish and History – on Tuesday, 21 January, joining 1,705 others graduating as part of the University’s winter conferring ceremonies. 

A star of UL’s legendary back-to-back Fitzgibbon Cup winning teams of 2022 and 2023, Shinrone’s Killian graduated with wonderful memories as well as an impressive haul of silverware.

Growing up surrounded by his five brothers and cousins who were “mad into sport” from a young age, Killian has always had a love for hurling – a factor that came into play when making his plans for third level.

“I was drawn to UL immediately. The facilities are second-to-none … And I had followed UL the whole way up through secondary school and followed a few of their Fitzgibbon wins – I think it was in 2018 when they had that unbelievable team. I always wanted to go to UL,” explained Killian.

With a particular interest in Irish and history, and with plans to pursue a teaching career, Killian chose to undertake an Arts degree in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UL. And, despite missing out on the on-campus experience as a first year due to the pandemic, in second year he embraced all that campus life had to offer – particularly with UL GAA.

It’s no surprise that the Fitzgibbon Cup campaigns have been a highlight for UL Sports Scholar Killian, who looks back fondly on the friendships formed and memories made with his teammates along the way.

“I was lucky enough to play Fitzgibbon for three years in college, getting to three finals in a row,” he said.

“Winning the first two was amazing; really special. Just to get to play with some of the best up-and-coming hurlers in the country – if not the best hurlers in the country – at the time was a great opportunity.

“The bonds that you make along the way, the memories, the friends – you’ll never be able to get them back.”

Co-op was another highlight of Killian’s time at UL. Having always considered pursuing a career in teaching, it was his six-month placement in Dunkerrin National School, in Offaly, that cemented his decision to enter the profession.

“I knew that doing the Arts degree would give me a great step into teaching, whether primary or secondary. I knew it would open up opportunities for me further down the line,” he said.

“I think that Co-op was probably what was feeding into me going on to do a master's in primary education next. I was lucky enough to spend the six months in the one school and get a real insight into what it’s like to be a primary school teacher. I absolutely loved it.”

With plans to move on to postgraduate education in the coming months, hurling will of course still be a key fixture for Killian, both at club and county level. 

Killian, who lines out with Offaly’s senior team, always feels “lucky and privileged” to pull on the green, white and gold jersey.

“I just feel lucky to be able to go out and do it. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play for their county, and I know so many people would love to be able to do what we’re doing,” he said.

The same honour is extended to his club, Shinrone, with whom “it all started”.

“The goal is definitely to try and continue to play with my club and county for as long as I can.”