GAA stars from Mayo and Sligo selected for Irish American scholarships
Ryan O'Donoghue is presented with his scholarship by Mary Sugrue, Chief Executive Officer, Irish American Partnership, and GPA Chief Executive Officer Tom Parsons.
GAA: Mayo senior footballer Ryan O’Donoghue (Belmullet) and Sligo hurler Thomas Cawley (Easkey) are among a group of 32 male and female inter-county footballers and hurlers who have been awarded an Education Champion Scholarship. The announcement was made last week by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Irish American Partnership who continue to build on their long-standing relationship, providing $128,000 in scholarships over the next four years focused on the importance of careers in education to inter-county players.
The 32 recipients, one from each county, including Ryan O’Donoghue and Thomas Cawley, are made up of student teachers and those pursuing postgraduate studies to further their careers in education.
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 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.
“Teaching is without doubt one of the most important and influential careers that anybody can undertake. Teachers shape and mold 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 scholarships have been awarded on a 50:50 female to male basis and across the four codes.
