The Irish American Partnership (IAP) and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have announced an extension of their collaboration in supporting inter-county players in education with the launch of a new County Bursary programme. Initially piloted in Kerry, the bursary connects education donors with players from their county of origin, providing funding to four undergraduate students in that county, worth $14,000 per year. To mark the launch, Partnership CEO Mary Sugrue joined Tom Parsons (GPA CEO), Pat O’Sullivan (Chair, Kerry GAA) in Kilarney along with the four initial recipients of the bursary; Tomás Kennedy (Football), Éabha Lyne (Football), Tom Doyle (Hurling), Shannon Collins (Camogie).
The new County Bursary model offers a direct way for patrons to support players in their home county, strengthening the connection between communities in Ireland and their supporters overseas. The programme is already expanding to support players in other counties including Galway, Dublin, Mayo and Waterford, creating further educational opportunities for inter-county players.
For student players, balancing study, training, matches and travel leaves limited time for part-time employment, so the funding provides vital support to ease financial pressure, reduce the time demands and help relieve the stress of meeting education and living costs. Ultimately, the priority is to give players more time to focus on their studies, recovery and performance, helping them continue to compete at the highest level while building careers beyond Gaelic games.
The County Bursary scheme builds on the longstanding relationship between the GPA and the IAP, including the Education Champion Scholarships supporting student teachers and players undertaking further study in education.
The GPA wishes to thank the Partnership for their support and the county donors for their commitment to players’ education and development. Their generosity will make a practical difference to recipients and has helped establish a model with the potential to benefit players right across the country.
