Congratulations to our four St Mary’s University College students Niall Burns, Darragh Treanor, Shea Magill and Dara Mooney who are recipients of a Gaelic Players Enhanced Bursary. This is the second year that inter-county players studying at St Mary’s have received the new enhanced bursary from the Gaelic Players Association.

St Mary’s students who are inter-county players can avail of this support through the players’ body and the College Applications – are now open and potential applicants are urged to apply early.

To mark the partnership, current inter-county players and St Mary’s students along with GPA Education representative and Dublin senior footballer Brian Howard gathered at the new College courtyard at the College.

Speaking to mark the awarding of the enhanced GPA bursaries, College Principal Prof. Peter Finn highlighted the importance of financial support for our student athletes, “Students who perform at the highest level in Gaelic games are amateur sports men and sports women, and the GPA bursaries provide them with much needed financial support. The bursaries help them to pursue their studies to the highest level and at the same time seek excellence on the field of play.”

Speaking on behalf of the GPA, CEO Tom Parsons said,” “Our aim is to support the development of players off the pitch to allow them thrive in both their education and professional careers.  Without partnerships like this one with St Marys that would not be possible.  So, on behalf of players, a big thank you to the team at St Marys for all you do in support of student athletes.”

“To Niall, Darragh, Shea and Dara, massive congratulations.”

The enhanced bursary is available for students enrolling on the Full-Time MSc PE and Sport for Young People offered at St Mary’s.

Pictured at the new St Mary’s University College courtyard from left to right;

Gavin McGilly (St. Mary’s University, Sigerson Cup Manager)

Niall Burns (Antrim)

Darragh Treanor (Monaghan)

Brian Howard (GPA, Education Manager)

Shea Magill (Armagh)

Dara Mooney (Derry)

Elaine McLaughlin (Course Director, MSc, PE & Sport for Young People)

Media Enquiries;

John Brolly

Marketing & Communications Manager

St Mary’s University College, Belfast

j.brolly@smucb.ac.uk