GPA announces 64 third-level scholarships

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) announced its biggest annual scholarship scheme to date at a function at Croke Park today.

A total of 64 scholarships are being granted to third level students nationwide, making the GPA awards the largest GAA scheme of its kind in the country.

Since the GPA scholarships were first initiated six years ago, 170 players have benefited from the scheme. These scholarships are awarded using funds generated from the sale of Club Energise.

Club Energise Sport is the official sports drink of the GPA and money from every bottle sold goes directly to the players and the GPA - to date approximately €1.5m has been given directly to the GPA from Club Energise.

Under the GPA scholarship scheme, each student will receive €1,000 to help offset the cost of their education and help sustain their commitment to Gaelic games during the academic year.

Due to the students’ workload, commitment to their sport, the ability to pursue part-time work or generate any subsidiary income can be almost impossible.

In addition to the scholarship scheme, more than 200 hurling and football players have benefited from the sale of Club Energise through TV advertising, outdoor advertising, PR events, promotional activity, trade visits and the use of brand ambassadors.

Commenting on this year’s scheme, Cork hurling goalkeeper and GPA chairman Donal Óg Cusack said: “The GPA Scholarship scheme is a ringing endorsement for the ground-breaking partnership between the players’ association and Club Energise.

"Bringing tangible benefits to the stars of tomorrow is a core aspect of GPA policy and the growth of this scheme is testament to that commitment.

"Students involved with inter-county teams are essentially dedicated to Gaelic Games seven days a week. Beyond their studies, there is simply no free time in which to take up part-time work."