Gaelic Players Association Teams Up with Udemy Read More
GPA GMIT scholarship application process now open Read More
Applications now being accepted for GPA IT Carlow Scholarships Read More
GPA and DCU enhance their scholarship partnership Read More
Tom Parsons appointed the new CEO of the Gaelic Players Association Read More
Increased funding for female inter-county players Read More
MIC Teams Up with GPA on New Scholarship Scheme for Postgraduate Students Read More
As Player Programme Co-Ordinator for the GPA, I am the first point of contact for many players when accessing our supports and services. From past intercounty players looking to become GPA members, to current players seeking support to further their studies, I ensure players are informed and supported as best I can.
I am hugely passionate about equality within Gaelic games and I work closely with the GPA representation team to ensure we are constantly striving to break glass ceilings and give female intercounty players the same platform as their male counter parts.
A key part of my role involves managing our charity partnerships. This brings me great joy, the positive influence our members can have on society is immeasurable and these partnerships look to bring that to life.
As an intercounty player myself, having played with both Dublin Football and Camogie teams, I have experienced the joy and hardship of being an intercounty player. I have a great understanding of the sheer commitment players give to the game. My goal is to support them and advocate on their behalf, ensuring all intercounty players are treated with the respect they deserve.
As the Educational Manager for the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), my role centres around supporting the personal and professional development of GPA athletes by providing them with access to educational resources and opportunities. I am responsible for overseeing the GPA’s education programme. My goal is to ensure that players have the tools and guidance they need to build fulfilling careers off the pitch, helping them navigate the balance between their sporting commitments and long-term personal growth.
A key part of my role involves working closely with players to identify their individual educational needs and aspirations. I also collaborate with educational institutions to create opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our members. By facilitating these opportunities, I aim to empower players to reach their full potential in life beyond their athletic careers.
As an intercounty player for the last 11 years, I understand what it takes to perform at the top level. I am extremely passionate about helping others achieve great heights off the field in relation to there careers.
The GPA Counselling Support Service is available 24/7/365
Or text “GPA” to 50808 (ROI) or 85258 (NI)
This service offers support to members either face-to-face or over the phone in the following areas:
Anxiety – Depression – Bereavement Counselling – Relationship issues – Family issues – Addiction treatment.
A benevolent fund is also in place to support current and past players who are experiencing extreme financial difficulties in their lives.
How to sign up :
Email: ian@gaelicplayers.com
Where am I from: Dublin
My Role:Lead Player Development & Wellbeing Coach
What does it involve in a nutshell? Through my assessment of the players’ need, I identify an all-inclusive proposal to support the person behind the player through our Player Development Programmes
Favourite part of my role: Engaging & connecting with GPA members to support them off the field
Favourite Sporting memory: Sean Óg Ó hAilpín’s all Irish speech after the 2005 All Ireland Hurling Final
Where am I from: Belfast, Co. Antrim
My Role: Head of Finance and Operations
What does it involve in a nutshell? Ensuring that the members of the GPA have access to the services they require in the areas of Welfare and Development. Also ensuring that the GPA manages its financial resources to allow it to fulfil its mission, in a way that is compliant with best practice governance standards in the voluntary sector.
Favourite part of my role: Looking forward to working for and on behalf of our members, and meeting lots of GAA and other sports people.
Favourite Sporting memory: Lots of great memories across Waterpolo, Football and Hurling. But here goes, playing Hurling in the Feile of 1977 in Waterford, as a 12 year old corner back for O’Donovan Rossa GAC Belfast. My big brother Dee was mid-field.
Brian recently finished a very successful 10-year term (July 2010 to July 2020) as President of Dublin City University (DCU), where, among a broad range of initiatives, he actively supported the development and growth of the sport with a particular emphasis on Gaelic games.
During this time, DCU developed significantly in terms of scale, footprint, and international reputation. It became Ireland’s fastest-growing university, rising to more than 18,250 students in 2020, and added three campuses (DCU St. Patrick’s Campus, DCU All Hallows Campus, and DCU Alpha, the university’s Innovation Campus) in the North Dublin region.
Brian placed a strong emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion and developed several significant initiatives in this context. He has also chaired many critical reviews on behalf of the Irish Government and has been a board member of IBEC, Chamber Choir Ireland and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
County: Wexford
Code: Camogie
County: Galway
Code: Camogie
County: Longford
Code: Football
County: Tyrone
Code: Football
County: Clare
Code: Camogie
County: Antrim
Code: Hurling
GPA: Seán is a member of the GPA’s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board sub-committee on Remuneration, People and Change.
Seán has been a member of the National executive (NEC) since 2012.
Professional Career: Seán joined Aer Lingus in 1991; he started his career in Ground Operations and has served in a number of senior roles in his time at Aer Lingus including, Cargo, Catering, InFlight Services, Human Resources and as a Board Member (2002-2006). His current role is Executive Director of HR & Dublin Airport Operations
Sporting Career: Seán was a Member of the Dublin County Football Management team (under 21’s) 2014-2017 and is currently a member of the Dublin Senior Football Management team since 2019.
Education: Irish Management Institute
BA (Hons) Degree in Business Management
University of Michigan
Smurfit Business School
County: Cork
Code: Hurling
Bio: Dónal is the former Chairperson of the GPA. He is also an Irish hurling coach, TV hurling analyst with the Sunday Game and a former player. Donal Óg is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to play the game of Hurling, winning honours at all levels of the sport.
Cited as one of the most influential Irish Sports People of his generation, through his championing the cause of player welfare with Cork, founding the Gaelic Players Association along with his innovation as a goalkeeper and hurler.
He is a Senior Engineering Manager for the American Multinational Johnson & Johnson who he has worked with for other fifteen years.
County: Sligo
Code: Football
Sporting career: Played with Sligo for 11 seasons, winning 1 Connacht title and 2 National Leagues.
Professional career: Head of Aircraft Leasing at HSBC
County: Down
Code: Football
John Glennon has considerable experience helping mid-market leaders develop strategies to grow their business. He has worked with many foreign owned clients in helping them develop localised strategies and business plans to drive local success while remaining integrated with the overall corporate global strategy. John is also a Board Member of the German Irish Chamber of Commerce.
County: Wexford
Code: Hurling
Sporting career: Represented Wexford at various levels in Hurling and Football. Captain of the Wexford Hurling team
Professional career: Currently a Sales and Marketing Professional
