Roscommon woman among 32 scholarships announced by GPA and Irish American Partnership
Aisling Hanly receives her Education Champion Scholarship from Mary Sugrue, Chief Executive Officer, Irish American Partnership, and Tom Parsons, GPA Chief Executive Officer. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
A County Roscommon ladies’ footballer is one of 32 Education Champion Scholarships announced by the GPA (Gaelic Players Association) and the Irish American Partnership.
This year’s recipients include Aisling Hanly from Kilbride and Roscommon LGFA.
The recipients — one from each of the 32 counties — are student teachers and those pursuing postgraduate studies to further their careers in education.
More than 300 GPA members are in the teaching profession.
The scholarships were awarded at a function at the Alex Hotel in Dublin, attended by Irish American Partnership President and CEO, Mary Sugrue, GPA CEO Tom Parsons.
As part of the process the recipients have undertaken to conduct a session with their classes on the theme of leadership before the end of the current term.
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Irish American Partnership (the Partnership) have continued to build on their long-standing relationship, providing $128,000 in scholarships focussed on the importance of careers in education over the next four years to intercounty players.
“Teaching is without doubt one of the most important and influential careers that anybody can undertake. Teachers shape and mould young people, not only as students, but also as people. They play a vital role in their development,” said GPA CEO, Tom Parsons.
“Teachers are role models for kids across Ireland, so it is essential to support the next generation. That is why I am so happy to make this announcement alongside the Irish American Partnership without whose support these scholarships would not have been possible,” the former Mayo footballer added.
Chief Executive Officer, Irish American Partnership, Mary Sugrue, explained that the Education Champion Scholarship embodied the Irish American Partnership’s mission to honour Irish heritage towards investment in education.
“By supporting these Gaelic Players, we recognise not only their dedication to sport but also their role as cultural ambassadors who preserve and promote Irish traditions. Their leadership, both on and off the field, is inspiring, and we are proud to invest in their journey as they work to educate and mentor Ireland’s youth," she said.
The scholarships have been awarded on a 50:50 female to male basis and across the four codes. The full list of these recipients is:
Rachel Breen, Carlow, ATU Sligo
Shanise Fitzsimons, Cavan, Hibernia College
Rachael Hanniffy, Galway, Hibernia College
Julianne Malone, Kilkenny, Hibernia College
Sharon Shanahan, Offaly, UL
Rachael Walsh, Waterford, UL.
Thomas Cawley, Sligo, UL
Ciarán Doyle, Westmeath, DCU
Martin Feeney, Leitrim, DCU
Barry Heffernan, Tipperary, Hibernia College
Rory McCloskey, Antrim, St. Mary’s College
Shane Meehan, Clare, Mary Immaculate
Tim O’Mahony, Cork, Hibernia College.
Niamh Carr, Donegal , Maynooth University
Lucy Dunne, Wicklow, UCD
Niamh Gallogly, Meath, DCU
Aisling Hanly, Roscommon, DCU
Sarah Harding Kenny, Wexford, Hibernia College
Orla Hennessy, Laois, ATU Sligo
Meadhbh MacNamara, Limerick, Mary Immaculate
Caoimhe McCormack, Longford, DCU
Niamh McManus, Fermanagh, St. Mary’s College
Ruth Sargent, Kildare, St. Patrick’s College
James Duggan, Down, St. Mary’s College
Rory Grugan, Armagh, UUJ
Ciarán Kilkenny, Dublin, DCU
Craig Lennon, Louth, DCU
Tadhg Morley, Kerry, UL
Micheál McCarville, Monaghan, Hibernia College
Eunan Mulholland, Derry, UUJ
Seán O’Donnell, Tyrone, St. Mary’s College
Ryan O’Donoghue, Mayo, UCG
