New GPA partnership makes scholarships available to inter-county players at Queen’s University Belfast

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has teamed up with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Queen’s Sport to offer a minimum of six postgraduate scholarships to inter-county players over the course of the next three-years.  The partnership begins for the 2021/2022 academic year.

All applications will be made to the GPA and assessed using a set of criteria agreed between QUB, Queen’s Sport and the GPA.  Successful applicants will be known as QUB/GPA Scholars.

Recipients of the scholarships will participate in an annual launch of the scholarship programme and must be eligible to represent QUB and Queen’s Sport across the academic year.  They will also participate in promotional activity organised by QUB and Queen’s Sport while also taking up a mentor role to another elite sport student at undergraduate level or a general student.

The GPA will actively promote the scholarships to its membership and will also actively promote the partnership with QUB and Queen’s Sport in scholarship related network events.

Speaking to mark the announcement GPA Head of Finance and Operations Ciarán Barr said; “Queen’s University Belfast has a long and storied association with Gaelic games and we are proud to partner with them and Queen’s Sport to offer these postgraduate scholarships.  The ethos of the GPA is all about people and potential.  In a fundamental way our goals and aspirations match those of QUB and Queen’s Sport – to be a holistic development partner to its students.”

Speaking on behalf of Queen’s Sport, Performance Sport Manager Aidan O’Rourke remarked; “Queen’s University place great value on the development of our students as athletes while they pursue a world-class education. Partnering with the Gaelic Players Association to support students who are on a pathway to the very top of Gaelic Games enhances our overall scholarship offering across all sports at the University.

“This Queen’s Sport / GPA partnership comes at a time when opportunities in education and employability have never been more important. It also highlights our joint commitment to the personal development of our most talents students.”

The application process is now open and closes on May 20^th.  These should be made to karen@gaelicplayers.com.