The GPA and WGPA extend partnership with AIT

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) are delighted to extend their partnership with Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT).  GPA and WGPA members can now take advantage of the opportunity to avail of four fully funded postgraduate academic scholarships, at Masters level.

The application process is now open with a deadline of August 30th.  The scholarships are available for any of the taught Masters programmes in AIT.

Attending the announcement which was made at the AIT Campus were AIT students Mairéad Teehan (Offaly Camogie) and Rachel Dillon (Westmeath Football).  They were joined by Dr Aoife Lane, Head of Department of Sport and Health Sciences AIT, John McKenna, Vice President Strategic Planning, Institutional Performance, Equality and Diversity AIT, Westmeath footballer and AIT’s GAA Development Officer Kieran Martin, GPA Head of Finance and Operations Ciarán Barr and WGPA Project Coordinator Gemma Begley.

Speaking at the announcement Ciarán Barr said; “We have a number of scholarship announcements in recent weeks and we’re delighted to be able to continue that trend in Athlone.  AIT have been a big supporter of inter-county players and we’re delighted to be able to extend that relationship.  These scholarships will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of players.”

Dr Aoife Lane from AIT and also a former Chairperson of the WGPA added; “We recognise the positive influence elite sports people can have on the wider college environment and are proud to support inter-county players with this announcement.  Education is a vital cog in the wheel of the development of players.  It helps them to be the best they can be off the pitch as well as on it.  We’re delighted to continue this relationship with the GPA and WGPA.”

GPA members can contact karen@gaelicplayers.com for further information on the application process while WGPA members can contact gemma@wgpa.ie.