Kangaloon's Kieran Mahony is the 2001 Bradman scholar, the first time a local has been awarded the honour in the scheme’s short history.

The Macquarie University law student and former Chevalier First XI captain was officially notified on Thursday by Bradman Museum Curator Richard Mulvaney with a cheque for $5,000.

“I was pretty much shocked,” Kieran said when he heard the news.

The $15,000 scholarship is awarded annually, and Kieran follows in the footsteps of current NSW opener Greg Mail and Adelaide’s Sam Williams.

“It’s a huge weight off my shoulders,” Kieran said of the scholarship.

The 18-year-old said cricket remains a big part of his life, and is undoubtedly keen to continue in his love for the game with Macquarie University when the competition starts later in the year

“I love watching it and playing it,” Kieran said.

“I don’t take it all that seriously but I get so much enjoyment and relaxation out of it.

“It’s a challenging game but a rewarding game if your can overcome the challenges.”

Kieran acknowledged the previous scholars as ‘daunting’ but is quietly confident he can carry on the strong tradition.

“It’s pretty daunting when you when you see the records of the past scholars,” he said.

“But I’ll try my best.”

Mr Mulvaney said the local connection was a ‘lovely coincidence’ and claimed his outstanding school report and personal record warranted his scholarship.

“It’s something special to have a scholar come through the local area,” Mr Mulvaney said.

“We’re delighted with Keiran and we look forward to his progress.

“In the end we just want to make a difference.”

Mr Mulvaney also acknowledged the scholarship as being more than just a focus on cricket, but to support young Australians in tertiary studies.

“He [Sir Donald Bradman] felt it was important for cricketers to have an interest outside the game of cricket,” he said.