The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) are delighted to announce details of the application process for six fully funded enhanced scholarships for GPA members, across the Midwest and Athlone campuses of the university for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The scholarships are open to any GPA member who has reached the criteria to be accepted for a place on any Masters Programmes within the university. Once they have secured a place, they will then be able to apply.
It is envisaged that the scholarships will be awarded to 3 female and 3 male student players. The application process is open until June 1st with a late application window from 2nd June to 31st August. The scholarships are funded 50:50 by the players association and the university.
Clare hurler Aron Shanagher and Laois camogie’s Aedin Lowry, who are both students at TUS Midwest, and Sligo footballer Eddie McGuinness and Meath footballer Aisling McCabe, who are both students at TUS Athlone, were on hand for the photo call to mark the announcement along the banks of the Shannon River.
They were joined there by GPA CEO Tom Parsons, Jimmy Browne, Vice President Campus Services and Capital Development at TUS, Adrian Flaherty, Sports Recreation and Facilities Officer at TUS Midwest, Gordon Brett, Sport and Recreation Manager at TUS Athlone, and Kieran Martin, GAA Development Officer at TUS Athlone.
Speaking on behalf of the GPA, CEO Tom Parsons said; “One of our strategic pillars is Development. We aim to ensure the development of players in their careers, education and general lives, during and after their inter-county careers. We could not do that without the invaluable support offered by our academic partners.
“That is why I am so happy to be part of this announcement where, for the first time, we’re bringing together the Midwest and Athlone campuses of the university. It is also fantastic to see our commitment to equality mirrored within the terms of this agreement.”
Jimmy Browne, VP Campus Services and Capital Development commented; TUS are delighted to launch our partnership with the Gaelic Players Association, offering postgraduate scholarships across our campuses. We marked this launch on the River Shannon, which connects the work we do and sport we play in the Midlands and Midwest. These postgraduate scholarships will offer inter-county male and female athletes the opportunity to further their academic journey at TUS whilst continuing to pursue their sporting career. We are thrilled to add these scholarships to our ever-growing range of awards and supports available to our students in recognition of their sporting excellence.”
Any player seeking further information about this scholarship announcement should contact postgradscholarships@gaelicplayers.com.
