Founded in 1975, Druid is a touring theater company anchored in the cultural fabric of Galway in the West of Ireland, with its eyes on the global stage.
Druid is Ireland’s first professional theater company outside of Dublin founded by Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen, and Mick Lally. It explores ambitious projects and reimagines the classics while premiering new work annually. The company believes that audiences have the right to see first class professional theater in their own communities.
The theater deepens engagement with communities by visiting primary and secondary schools to foster a love of creativity and drama in younger audiences. The Partnership proudly supports Druid’s Community & Education program, specifically its ‘FUEL’ young artist residency program based in Galway. Open to playwrights, directors, and theater-makers based in the West of Ireland, FUEL supports the development of new young voices in Irish theater, encouraging the next generation of Irish artists.
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) defines and redefines Irish culture by welcoming people of all backgrounds — uniting diverse communities under club colors. Often, the local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the first place people turn to when they are new in town or need a hand.
For small villages, the GAA is the lifeblood of the community, providing strength and cohesion as the rural way of life confronts the challenges of modernity. But the GAA is nothing without its players, whose struggles were for too long sidelined as the country cheered them on to victory. This is why the work of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) is vital in protecting the interests of amateur players, who often sacrifice their personal growth for team victory, and providing for their wellbeing.
Many players’ experience with coaching and mentoring throughout their athletic careers inspires a love of teaching and a desire to enter the field of education. However, given the cost of university education and the rigorous demands of their playing career, a degree in teaching may feel out of reach.
Financial support enables players the opportunity to pursue their academic interests while continuing their Gaelic sports careers. As players are paid minimally for their work on the field, securing sustainable and fulfilling professional employment is of great importance to player welfare.
The Partnership is committed to help players attain their goals of becoming educators in their communities with this impactful scholarship program.
The Partnership is also a proud supporter of Aran Islands GAA, a club which is immensely valued in this tight-knit and passionate community.