The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Trinity Business School have today announced details of a new scholarship agreement that further enhances the educational support available for players and former players through the players’ body.

From the 2021 / 2022 academic year players who have been accepted onto Trinity Business School programmes will be able to apply for this scholarship. For the Trinity MBA, Trinity Business School will provide a 50% fee reduction while the GPA will fund the other 50%. A similar partnership agreement will be launched next year to include the Masters programmes at Trinity Business School for the 2022/23 intake. Successful applicants will be known as Trinity Business School-GPA Scholars.

All prospective scholarship candidates must apply through the normal academic procedure to the Trinity Business School programmes. The Scholarship candidates will in parallel apply to the GPA for the enhanced scholarship. Eligible candidates will be nominated by the GPA and the names communicated in writing to Trinity Business School. Trinity Business School will then select the successful applicant.

The agreement will also see the GPA assist in the promotion of Trinity Business School programmes on offer to its members.

Speaking on the announcement, Ciarán Barr, GPA Head of Operations and Finance said:

“This is the latest in a series of significant educational announcements that we have been very pleased to make to the benefit of our members. On behalf of inter-county players, I would like to thank all at Trinity Business School who have made it possible to establish this scholarship. We look forward to working with them to strengthen links between the two organisations.”

Professor Andrew Burke, Dean of Trinity Business School said:

Competitive sports provide a great arena in which leadership skills are revealed and nurtured. It makes sense to further develop this talent pool for sustainable high performance business through an MBA. Trinity Business School are delighted to engage with the GPA to enable the transformation of leaders on the GAA field to the international arena of business. Our triple accredited MBA is uniquely a project-based MBA with a leadership focus so provides a great fit for into-action orientated elite players from the GPA. We look forward to the positive contribution that these graduates will bring to sustainable business and society.

Lisa Cafferky, Student Sport Pathway Manager, Trinity Sport said:

“We are delighted to help bring together the Gaelic Players Association and Trinity Business School to establish this MBA scholarship. This exciting partnership highlights our joint commitment to the holistic development of talented student athletes and supporting them to fulfil their personal, academic and sporting potential.”

For further information or to apply for the scholarship GPA members should contact Karen Thorpe – karen@gaelicplayers.com. Closing date for applications is 31st of June 2021.