Education Champion Scholarship is awarded to prominent Tipperary GAA star

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Irish American Partnership (the Partnership) continue to build on their long-standing relationship, providing $128,000 in scholarships focused on the importance of careers in education over the next 4 years to inter-county players.

Prominent Tipperary hurler Barry Heffernan is set to be honoured as part of partnership amongst other recipients. 

 32 Education Champion Scholarships will be awarded each year as a result of funding provided by the Partnership.

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This year's 32 recipients -1 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 last night attended by Irish American Partnership President & CEO, Mary Sugrue, GPA CEO Tom Parsons and the 32 recipients.

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. 

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Speaking to mark the announcement, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “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.

“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 full list of these recipients is:

Camogie

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                                      

Hurling

Thomas Cawley, Sligo, UL                                  

Ciaran 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         

Football (Female)

Niamh Carr, Donegal , Maynooth University 

Lucy Dunne, Wicklow, UCD                              

Niamh Gallogly, Meath, DCU                                           

Aisling Hanley, 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         

Football (Male)

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