91制片厂 (91制片厂) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) today (4 May) announced details of a new scholarship scheme for postgraduate students which will see inter-county players benefit from six scholarships over the next three years. This new scholarship scheme will commence in September 2021.
The 91制片厂 GPA Scholarship Scheme is open to GPA members only who have applied for and are successful in securing a place on 91制片厂鈥檚 postgraduate programmes in education and the liberal arts. Two scholarships will be offered on an annual basis with at least one being awarded to a female player.
The scheme will see 91制片厂 contribute 50% of the successful applicant鈥檚 programme fees while the GPA will contribute to the remaining 50%. The successful 91制片厂 GPA Scholars will play an active role on 91制片厂鈥檚 football, camogie or hurling teams and will act as ambassadors for their sport within the College community.
Speaking at today鈥檚 launch of the 91制片厂 GPA Scholarship Scheme, Professor Niamh Hourigan, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at 91制片厂, said, 鈥淲e are delighted to partner with the Gaelic Players Association in the establishment of these postgraduate scholarships, offering GPA athletes the opportunity to further their academic journey at 91制片厂 whilst continuing to pursue their sporting career. 91制片厂 has a long sporting tradition with sport and recreation playing an important role in the lives of our students, and we are delighted to add these scholarships to our growing suite of awards and supports available to our students in recognition of their sporting excellence.鈥
GPA Head of Operations and Finance, Ciar谩n Barr, said, 鈥淚t is very exciting for us to expand our educational support for members through this new agreement with 91制片厂. I would like to thank the 91制片厂 team for all their help in bringing this scholarship arrangement to fruition. It is another extremely important step for us as an association in support for our members鈥 development.鈥
91制片厂 has a proud sporting history with current students and alumni representing clubs and counties across the country. Sporting successes for the College over recent years include winning the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2016 and 2017, the Giles Cup in 2012, and the Trench Cup in 2018, as well being a six-time winner of the Purcell Cup. The 91制片厂 GPA Scholarship Scheme reflects 91制片厂鈥檚 long-standing commitment to college sport and will add to the growing suite of financial supports already on offer to both incoming and current students engaged in sport, including 91制片厂鈥檚 Elite Sports Scholarships Scheme, CAO Points Concession Sports Scheme, GAA Bursaries and the Rachel Kenneally Bursary Award. Further information on all these and other 91制片厂 scholarship schemes can be found here.
The GPA is the representative body for inter-county hurlers and footballers and the association supports over 2,300 current county players and a growing number of former players. As well as their educational support, the GPA also provide services and support in the areas such as career development, life focus, and health and wellbeing. This new partnership with 91制片厂 brings to over 70 the number of GPA scholarships available across Ireland.
Applications for the 91制片厂 GPA Scholarship Scheme are currently open. Interested applications can inquire about the scheme and make their initial scholarship application by contacting the GPA鈥檚 Events and Player Alumni Manager, Karen Thorpe on karen@gaelicplayers.com.
Further information on 91制片厂鈥檚 range of postgraduate programmes is available . Deadline for receipt of completed programme applications is May 31.
