CUBS x GPA Masters Scholarship Opportunity

CUBS Gaelic Players Association Scholarships – Now Open for Applications!

Are you a GPA member looking to take the next step in your academic and professional journey? Cork University Business School (CUBS), in partnership with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), is now offering partially funded scholarships for taught postgraduate programmes in 2025.

Scholarship Breakdown:

🎓 CUBS covers 50%

🏐 GPA covers 30%

💼 The applicant contributes 20%


Entry Criteria:

Must be a member of the Gaelic Players Association

Must have received and accepted an offer for a taught Masters programme in CUBS

Must be an EU applicant

Must submit a personal statement (max 500 words) answering:

> “What inspired you to pursue a master’s degree at this stage in your career, and how do you envision it helping you achieve your personal or professional goals?”




📅 Closing Date: Monday, 11th August 2025

📥 Apply by sending your completed application to:
📧 Katherine Eaton – katherine.eaton@ucc.ie

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future and enhance your professional skillset.

Parade of Champions

Parade of Champions: Celebrating Sciath na Scol Winners at Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork GAA are delighted to welcome the winning teams from this year’s Sciath na Scol competitions to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for a special celebration of their achievements.

As part of our commitment to honouring the next generation of GAA stars, these young players will take part in a Parade of Champions at half-time during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship clash between Cork and Kerry.

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent, spirit, and dedication of our school communities across Cork. We congratulate all the players, teachers, coaches, and supporters who contributed to a memorable Sciath na Scol season.

Join us as we give these young champions the ovation they deserve!

Gaeltacht Scholarships

We are delighted to announce that partial Gaeltacht scholarships for 2025 are now available for students attending the following Irish colleges:

  • Coláiste na Mumhan, Béal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh

  • Coláistí Chorca Dhuibhne

  • Coláiste na Rinne

These scholarships provide valuable support for students wishing to enhance their Irish language skills and immerse themselves in the culture of the Gaeltacht.

🗓 Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

📄 Application Form:
Please complete the online form via the following link: 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/WHD6nGUWUn

Early applications are encouraged. Go n-éirí libh!

GAA County Games Development Coordinator 

GAA County Games Development Coordinator 

Based in Cork  

 

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.  

 

Applications are now welcome for the role of GAA Games Development Coordinator, based in County Cork. 

 

Role Summary 

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme 

A key target associated with the role will be the growth and retention of coach and player participation. 

 

The role holder is required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.  

 

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to: 

 

Operations 

  • Oversee the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county; 

  • Manage key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounders within a region of the county. 

 

People Management   

  • Coordinate and supervise other county personnel e.g., Participation Officers as required to include responsibility for supporting the formulation of weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games; 

  • Liaise with and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development; 

  • Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cúl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county. 

 

Leadership 

  • Assist the County Head of Games, County Coaching and Games Committee and key County Officers with the development and implementation of the County Games Development Strategy in the county and associated multi-annual plan; 

  • Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT Systems; 

  • Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;  

  • Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes. 

 

Club Support 

  • Coordinate the delivery of a club support programme in clubs to achieve the GAA’s goal of creating self-sufficiency and sustainability by building capacity and capability (Club Compass) 

  • Liaise, support and provide on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;  

  • With the Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;  

  • Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participation and retention programmes in the region to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include coordination and delivery of: 

  • Club Nursery Programme 

  • Intra and inter-Club Go Games  

  • Camps  

  • Intra and Inter-Club Super Games  

  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes  

  • Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults  

  • Assist clubs with the development of coach and referee pathways and coordinate and lead the provision of volunteer, coach and referee education in the region; 

  • Coordinate and lead the provision of learning opportunities to club volunteers, club coaches, referees and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.   

 

Schools Support 

  • Coordinate the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;  

  • Coordinate and oversee the delivery of participation and retention programmes in primary and post-primary schools to include: 

  • Intra and inter-school Go Games  

  • Intra and Inter-school Super Games  

  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes  

  • Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme; 

  • Coordinate and provide on going training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches. 

 

Talent Academy/Player Development Support 

  • Support the County Head of Games in identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme; 

  • Coordinate and organise as required regional/divisional games activities to support the programme; 

  • Guide and support clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme;. 

 

 

Stakeholder Management 

  • Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level 

  • Work effectively with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders. 

 

 

Other 

  • It is a natural function of the role that the role holder is required to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager; 

  • The role holder may be responsible for fulfilling a lead programme function within the county games development operation. 

 

Essential Criteria 

 

  • At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);  

  • Minimum Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;  

  • Appropriate third level qualification (Level 7 NFQ);  

  • Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;  

  • Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;  

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong ability to work in high-pressure situations;  

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);  

  • Demonstrably excellent leadership skills and influencing ability;  

  • Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;  

  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills;  

  • Excellent negotiation skills;  

  • Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;  

  • Ability to clearly present goals and direction. 

 

Desirable Criteria 

 

  • Experience in managing/supervising staff; 

  • GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification; 

  • Third level sports science qualification; 

  • Strong coach education experience.  

 

 

 

 

Other Requirements 

 

  • Own car with a full clean driving license; 

  • Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme; 

  • Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day to day activities. 

  • Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.  

 

 

How to Apply 

 

Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up to date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to jobapplications@gaa.ie using reference #Cork100325 on or before 3pm, Monday 10th March 2025 

 

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer. 

 

MTU Cork beaten in Fitz Semi-Final

UL 1-28

MTU Cork 0-10

Two red cards inside 20 minutes ended MTU Cork’s Fitzgibbon Cup dreams as they ultimately fell to a 21-point defeat to UL in Mallow on Tuesday night.

Alan Connolly and Mikey Finn received the red cards in the 16th and 20th minutes from referee Thomas Walsh for high tackles.

Connolly’s rising tackle, which saw Michael Corcoran leave the field injured, was the more clearcut of the sendings off.

Finn had more of a case for clemency as he collided with Aaron Morgan, who was ducking away to clear the sliotar, but the referee deemed the contact too high.

The sides were tied at 0-3 apiece when Connolly was dismissed and UL had edged one ahead by the time Finn followed him off.

 Alan Walsh fires over an excellent point from play for MTU Cork against UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final: Cork MTU v University of Limerick, UL at , Mallow. Pic Larry CumminsAlan Walsh fires over an excellent point from play for MTU Cork against UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final: Cork MTU v University of Limerick, UL at , Mallow. Pic Larry Cummins 

MTU showed commendable spirit to level at 0-8 apiece within two minutes of the second-half restart but UL outgunned them from there by 1-20 to 0-2.

They had contributions from Cork natives in Jack Leahy (0-4) and Brian O’Sullivan (0-3), while Ciarmhac Smyth was introduced to their defence in the first half.

Appearing in their first semi-final for 10 years, MTU Cork had the first three shots at the posts but each missed the target. By half-time, UL had more than caught up with 10 wides to MTU’s four by that juncture.

Aidan O’Connor feinted into space for UL’s opening point in the fourth minute before Ronan Walsh emerged from a ruck with the sliotar to equalise.

Connolly located Alan Walsh for an over-the-shoulder score which sent MTU into their first lead.

UL almost broke through for a goal chance but Jack Leahy was knocked off the ball by a shot from Darragh O’Sullivan.

Adam English levelled from an acute angle but a Connollly 65 nudged MTU back ahead for the final time.

Gearóid O’Connor won a puck-out to launch the leveller and then Connolly, perhaps frustrated by a missed free moments earlier, was given the line for his hit on Corcoran.

A Gearóid O’Connor free had UL one up when Finn received his marching orders, while Brian O’Sullivan got a yellow for his retaliation.

That left UL with two spare men, employing Mark Fitzgerald as a free defender, while O’Sullivan and English rotated as the extra body around the middle.

They pressed on with the next three points from Leahy, Aidan O’Connor, and Gearóid O’Connor for five in a row and a 0-7 to 0-3 lead.

MTU were in cantankerous form as Alan Walsh slotted a point before complaining to the linesman about the lack of a free in the build-up. He was awarded the next one, which Jack Cahalane converted.

Gearóid O’Connor landed a 100-metre free but Seán Walsh smuggled away a shot in a phone booth’s worth of space to cut the difference to two, 0-8 to 0-6, at the break.

MTU were cheered back onto the field and levelled through a Cahalane free and a Diarmuid Healy point. They would only score twice more from there from two more Cahalane frees.

UL reeled off the next 1-7, with the first two points from Colin Coughlan and Aidan O’Connor teeing up Colm O’Meara for the tap-in goal.

Scorers for UL: C O’Meara 1-2; G O’Connor 0-5 (3 frees); C Coughlan, J Leahy 0-4 each; B O’Sullivan 0-3; A English, A O’Connor, S Rynne, S O’Hanlon 0-2 each; K Doyle, D Hannify 0-1 each.

Scorers for MTU Cork: J Cahalane 0-4 (4 frees); A Walsh 0-2; R Walsh, A Connolly (65), S Walsh, D Healy 0-1 each.

UL: D Fahy (Galway); A Morgan (Tipperary), M Corcoran (Tipperary), J Conneally (Clare); K Doyle (Kilkenny), M Fitzgerald (Waterford), C Coughlan (Limerick); B O’Sullivan (Kanturk, Cork), A English (Limerick); G O’Connor (Tipperary), C O’Meara (Clare), P Crotty (Clare); J Leahy (Dungourney, Cork), A O’Connor (Limerick), P O’Donovan (Limerick).

Subs: C Smyth (Midleton, Cork) for Corcoran (17, inj), E O’Leary (Limerick) for Morgan (19-23, temp), D Hannify (Galway) for A O’Connor (44), S Rynne (Clare) for Crotty (46), S O’Hanlon (Galway) for English (49), J Fitzgerald (Limerick) for G O’Connor (53).

MTU CORK (Cork unless stated): C Wilson (Newcestown); Darragh O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig), E Varian (Glen Rovers), F O’Connell (St Catherine’s); S Fitzgerald (Clashmore-Kinsalebeg, Waterford), C Joyce (Castlemartyr), M Mullins (Whitechurch); M Finn (Midleton), R Walsh (Kilmoyley, Kerry); D Healy (Lisgoold), B Lynch (Ballinhassig), S Walsh (Fourmilewater, Waterford); A Walsh (Kanturk), A Connolly (Blackrock), J Cahalane (St Finabrr’s).

Subs: R McCarthy (Carrigaline) for Lynch (44), David O’Sullivan (Ballincollig) for Fitzgerald (50), R O’Sullivan (Newcestown) for Healy (55), M Kelleher (Dicksboro, Kilkenny) for Mullins (55), K Wallace (St Catherine’s) for Cahalane (60).

Referee: T Walsh (Waterford).