100 female inter-county players to benefit from scholarship funding

March 08, 2021

Westmeath's Johanna Maher in action against Meath in the TG4 All-Ireland Intemediate Championship final

To mark International Women’s Day the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) is delighted to announce that 100 female inter-county players have been awarded scholarship funding as they continue their third-level studies.

That number is up 45 on the number of players who benefitted from these scholarships last year, an 82% increase in the number of recipients. 31 of the 32 counties are represented on the list.

The announcement is supported by the global clinical development company ICON plc, supporting 23 students in Life Sciences, and the Irish American Partnership, backing 10 players in education courses.

Speaking to mark the occasion, GPA CEO Paul Flynn said; ““Our congratulations and best wishes to all those awarded in what has been a challenging year for our student members. I want to encourage all members to continue to engage with the ongoing supports and services available through the GPA to help you through this time. Our thanks to ICON and IAP for their continued investment.  These are invaluable relationships that make a real difference to the lives of inter-county players.”

The scholarship announcement is one of a number of ways the GPA is celebrating International Women’s Day. 

A webinar, starting at 6pm this evening and orgnanised by Setanta College in partnership with the GPA, will concentrate on Preparing for the Return to Play: Practical Tips and Takeaways.  Speakers include Annie McCarra, Head S&C Coach of PSA Academies, Eoin Clarkin, Head S&C Coach of Arsenal WFC, Brian Dowling, Kilkenny Camogie Manager and Niamh McLaughlin, Donegal Footballer and a physio therapist. 

Elsewhere, the GPA’s podcast The Players’ Voice is live across Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts.  It features guest presenters Gemma Begley (former Tyrone footballer) and Jennifer Rogers (Westmeath footballer) who are joined by recently announced footballer of the year Aimee Mackin of Armagh and the recently retired Cork camogie legend Gemma O’Connor.


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