News
Education Champion Scholarships Program Launched by the Irish American Partnership and the Gaelic Players Association
Leading transatlantic charity for education, the Irish American Partnership (the Partnership), has invested $128,000 in Education Champion Scholarships, in partnership with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA). The scholarships to inter-county players are focused on careers in education over the next 4 years.
Dublin, March 4, 2025 (irishap.org) – The Irish American Partnership (the Partnership) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) are strengthening their long-standing partnership with a $128,000 commitment to support careers in education. Over the next four years, funding from the Partnership will provide 32 Education Champion Scholarships annually to inter-county players pursuing further education in teaching.
This year’s 32 scholarship recipients—one from each county—are student teachers and postgraduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in education. With over 300 GPA members in the teaching profession, this initiative highlights the strong connection between Gaelic players and the classroom.
The scholarships were awarded last night at a special event at the Alex Hotel in Dublin, attended by Irish American Partnership President & CEO Mary Sugrue, GPA CEO Tom Parsons, and the 32 honorees.
As part of the program, each recipient has committed to leading a session with their students on the theme of leadership before the end of the current term, further reinforcing their role as mentors both on and off the field.
Speaking to mark the announcement, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said;
“Teaching is without doubt one of the most important and influential careers that anybody can undertake. Teachers shape and mould young people, not only as students, but also as people. They play a vital role in their development.”
“Teachers are role models for kids across Ireland, so it is essential to support the next generation. That is why I am so happy to make this announcement alongside the Irish American Partnership without whose support these scholarships would not have been possible,” continued Parsons.
“The Education Champion Scholarship embodies the Irish American Partnership’s mission to honour our Irish heritage through investment in education,” said President & CEO, Mary Sugrue.
“By supporting these Gaelic Players, we recognise not only their dedication to sport but also their role as cultural ambassadors who preserve and promote Irish traditions. Their leadership, both on and off the field, is inspiring, and we are proud to invest in their journey as they work to educate and mentor Ireland’s youth.”
Tyrone footballer Seán O’Donnell, who is among the recipients, added; “I am really grateful to receive the Education Champion Scholarship. This funding is a massive help with the financial and mental demands that come with trying to be my best for the county, excel in college and support myself. I want to thank both the GPA and the Partnership for supporting my career in education and investing in my future.”
The scholarships have been awarded equally between female and male recipients and span all four codes.
Recipient List
Camogie
Rachel Breen, Carlow, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
Shanise Fitzsimons, Cavan, Hibernia College
Rachael Hanniffy, Galway, Hibernia College
Julianne Malone, Kilkenny, Hibernia College
Sharon Shanahan, Offaly, University of Limerick
Rachael Walsh, Waterford, University of Limerick
Hurling
Thomas Cawley, Sligo, University of Limerick
Ciaran Doyle, Westmeath, Dublin City University
Martin Feeney, Leitrim, Dublin City University
Barry Heffernan, Tipperary, Hibernia College
Rory McCloskey, Antrim, St. Mary’s College
Shane Meehan, Clare, Mary Immaculate College
Tim O’Mahony, Cork, Hibernia College
Football (Female)
Niamh Carr, Donegal, Maynooth University
Lucy Dunne, Wicklow, University College Dublin
Niamh Gallogly, Meath, Dublin City University
Aisling Hanley, Roscommon, Dublin City University
Sarah Harding Kenny, Wexford, Hibernia College
Orla Hennessy, Laois, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
Meadhbh MacNamara, Limerick, Mary Immaculate College
Caoimhe McCormack, Longford, Dublin City University
Niamh McManus, Fermanagh, St. Mary’s College
Ruth Sargent, Kildare, St. Patrick’s College
Football (Male)
James Duggan, Down, St. Mary’s College
Rory Grugan, Armagh, University of Ulster, Jordanstown
Ciarán Kilkenny, Dublin, Dublin City University
Craig Lennon, Louth, Dublin City University
Tadhg Morley, Kerry, University of Limerick
Micheál McCarville, Monaghan, Hibernia College
Eunan Mulholland, Derry, University of Ulster, Jordanstown
Seán O’Donnell, Tyrone, St. Mary’s College
Ryan O’Donoghue, Mayo, University of Galway
ABOUT THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP
Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving – the Partnership invests in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland. Since their inception in 1986, supporters have raised over $53 million for young people and communities, North and South, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders. The Partnership provides targeted grants to schools, provides university access scholarships, funds education centers for homeless youth, supports peace and reconciliation initiatives in Northern Ireland, and champions Gaelic games, Irish arts, culture, and more. www.irishap.org. #InvestinginIrelandsFuture
ABOUT THE GAELIC PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (GPA)
The GPA is the representative body for high performance inter-county players. Founded by players in 1999 and strengthened by a merger with the Women’s Gaelic Players Association in 2020, the GPA supports over 4,000 current male and female inter-county players and a growing number of former players across the four core pillars of Player Representation, Player Welfare, Player Development and Equality. www.gaelicplayers.com