Laois rugby star announced as Portobello College student ambassador
Ireland and Leinster rugby player Leah Tarpey plans to become a PE teacher
A talented Laois rugby player has become a student and brand ambassador for an Irish third level institute.
Leah Tarpey who is from Kilcavan, plays on the Ireland and Leinster Senior Women's Rugby teams, is now attending Portobello Institute in Dublin, where she is studying to be a PE teacher.
Now Portobello Institute has announce her appointment as a student and brand ambassador for their BA (Hons) Physical Education degree.
"Leah, a dedicated player for the Ireland and Leinster Senior Women’s Rugby teams, joins us to pursue her long-standing dream of becoming a PE teacher, marking a significant step in both her sporting and academic journey.
"As a talented athlete playing for Railway Union RFC in Dublin, Portobello Institute's flexible delivery and one-to-one support provides an accessible pathway for Leah to balance the demands of professional sport while staying committed to her education and long term career goals," they say.
“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity to study at Portobello Institute and work towards my goal of becoming a PE teacher.
“I’ve always wanted to be in education, but with my full-time athletic commitments, I couldn’t find a course that offered both flexibility and a passion for my career goals. Now, I’ve found that in Portobello Institute’s Physical Education programme," Leah said.
The college say that Leah’s role as a brand ambassador aligns with their mission to nurture individual potential, offering young athletes like her the opportunity to pursue higher education without compromising on their athletic dreams.
Denise Flood is College Director at Portobello Institute.
“Her ambassadorship aims to inspire other young people who are equally serious about sports and education, showing them that it’s possible to excel in both with the right support and structure.
“At Portobello Institute, we passionately believe in access to education and nurturing the one in everyone. Our innovative approach and student-centred support make it possible for individuals like Leah to succeed in the classroom, gaining a globally recognised qualification awarded by Liverpool John Moores University while excelling on the field.
“We are honoured to have Leah Tarpey join our community, not only as a student but as a brand ambassador. Her drive, talent, and commitment to both her sport and education resonate with our core values,” Ms Flood said.
“Leah is a role model for aspiring athletes who are looking for that balance between excelling in sports and achieving academic success. We are excited to support her as she embarks on this new chapter.”
Leah will be keeping Portobello Institute readers up to date with exclusive blog posts on her education and sports journey, as well as sharing behind the scenes of her busy schedule on her Instagram @leahtarpey and TikTok @leahtarpey.
You can also follow along for collaborative insights and content on Instagram @portobelloinstitute and TikTok @portobelloinstitute.