173 players to benefit from GPA/GAA Student Bursary Fund in 2026

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, left, with players Limerick hurler Vince Harrington, Mayo footballer Hannah Reape, Cavan footballer Patrick Lynch and Meath camogie player Róisín Heaney at Croke Park in Dublin during an announcement of the establishment of a new student bursary, agreed as part of the GAA/GPA Protocol. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
GAA President Jarlath Burns welcomed Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons and current inter-county players, Patrick Lynch (Cavan Football), Hannah Reape (Mayo Football), Róisín Heaney (Meath Camogie), and Vince Harrington (Limerick Hurling) to Croke Park today to mark the awarding of the inaugural GPA/GAA Student Bursary Fund.

The fund was established as part of the GPA/GAA Recognition Protocol 2026–2029, contributing €300,000 annually to inter-county players in higher education who are not receiving other forms of educational financial aid.

In total 173 players from across the country will benefit from this targeted financial support in 2026. Each will be awarded €2,000 with the recipients coming from across the four codes.

To be eligible, players had to be currently enrolled in third-level education, a current GPA member and not in receipt of any other financial aid related to their studies.

The bursary fund is financed through the improved commercial revenue-sharing agreement between the GPA and GAA, which moved from a net to gross revenue model, generating an additional €300,000 annually for player supports, topping up existing GPA education investment

The initiative represents a significant enhancement of the player support system and ensures that vulnerable student-athletes across all codes can continue to pursue both their sporting and academic ambitions.

To mark the occasion, GAA President Jarlath Burns said; “We are delighted to support so many of our players who are studying at third level and hope this contribution will make a positive and tangible difference to their studies as they continue to play Gaelic games at the highest level.

“The supports provided, with the help of the GPA, are an acknowledgement of the special contributions these players make as role models and ambassadors for our games.”

GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “This bursary programme directly addresses a key gap in the student support system by assisting players who fall outside existing scholarship structures. It strengthens the overall welfare framework for inter-county players while reinforcing the shared commitment of the GPA and GAA to support players in balancing elite sport and education.

“I want to thank the GAA for their partnership in this initiative which will have a direct and practical impact on the lives of these 173 young players.”