The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and St Mary’s University College, Belfast have announced details of a new bursary agreement that has been put in place to help provide financial support for inter-county players who wish to further their higher education. The agreement is in place for the 2023/2024 academic year and will run for an initial period of three years.
Four enhanced bursaries are available to GPA members with the application process for the upcoming academic year now open. The bursaries are open to any GPA member who fulfils the criteria to be accepted for a place on the MSc PE & Sport for Young People.
Applicants are eligible to apply for a bursary once their place on the course has been secured. The bursaries have been designed in a manner to reflect the distinctive ethos of St Mary's University College whereby the GPA, St Mary's and student contribute equally to the course fee.
Gavin McGilly (St Mary's University College, Sigerson Cup manager), Charlie Smyth (St Mary's student and Down senior footballer), Prof Peter Finn KSG (Principal of St Mary's), Maeve Kelly (St Mary's studen and Antrim senior camog), Dr Elaine Rice (MSc PE & Sport for Young People - Course Director) and Brian Howard (GPA Education Manager and Dublin senior footballer) gathered at the St Mary’s this week to mark the announcement.
In welcoming St Mary’s University College to the GPA third level education portfolio, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “One of our key objectives is to help our members to develop away from the playing field in whatever line of work or study that they choose. We cannot do that without the support of our educational partners. To that end, and on behalf of inter-county players, I want to thank the team at St Mary’s for the support they have committed to us for the next three years. This will have a transformational impact on the lives of players.”
Gavin McGilly said; “This agreement demonstrates a commitment by St Mary's University College, Belfast and the GPA to support students and GPA members in achieving their educational and sporting goals. Our exciting and unique partnership reinforces the continued commitment to the promotion of Gaelic Games at St Mary's and we look forward to welcoming GPA members on to our MSc PE & Sport for Young People Programme and engaging with the GPA on this and future initiatives to support its members.”
The application process is open until June 30, with a late application window from June 30 to August 31.
GPA members with any questions or who want to apply to the Enhanced Bursary Programme should contact: Elaine McLaughlin (Course Director): e.mclaughlin@stmarys-belfast.ac.uk or Gavin McGilly at g.mcgilly@stmarys-belfast.ac.uk
Further details of the course can be found HERE.
