TU Dublin and GPA Announce Scholarship Partnership

Patrick Maher and Peter Keane announced as 2021/2022 Scholarships Awardees

Wicklow hurler Peter Keane and Tipperary hurler Patrick Maher have today been announced as the recipients of enhanced scholarships from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) for the 2021/2022 academic year.

They are the first two players to benefit from this scholarship agreement between TU Dublin and the GPA, which sees the University and the GPA work together to provide the elite student-athletes with an holistic package of athlete-led supports.

Patrick Maher is studying a full-time masters in Strategic Management while Peter Keane is studying a postgraduate diploma in Management and Marketing.  They will now be known as TU Dublin/GPA Scholars having met the entry requirements for their respective programmes, in addition to being assessed against a set of criteria agreed by the two organisations.

As part of their commitment the players have committed to partaking in promotional activity related to the university and its programmes while also taking on a mentoring role to either another elite sport student-athlete at undergraduate level or at an Open Day event for prospective students. They will also line out for the university teams where appropriate.

Speaking at the announcement GPA National Executive Committee Co-Chair Maria Kinsella said; “Congratulations to both Patrick and Peter on being chosen for these prestigious and valuable enhanced scholarships.  It is great to be part of announcements such as today’s where the GPA can continue its mission to help players achieve their maximum both on and off the pitch.  That could not happen in this instance without the help and support of TU Dublin who I want to thank on behalf of both the players and the GPA.”

Darragh Biddlecombe, Gaelic Games Promotion Officer at TU Dublin, said; “Initiatives such as the TU Dublin GPA Scholarship allow the University to support elite athletes that want to compete at the highest level in their sporting lives and in Higher Education. We have an enviable and proud track record of success in providing this support, and TU Dublin looks forward to working with Peter, Patrick and the GPA to strengthen our reputation as a university that fosters sports talent at the highest level.”

Any members who would like to learn more about the educational supports available to them through the GPA should contact the GPA’s Events, Player Alumni and Education Manager Karen Thorpe at karen@gaelicplayers.com.