Gaelchultúr, GPA & GAA Renew Landmark Irish-Language Scholarship Programme for Intercounty Players
Ó chlé: Leas-Stiúrthóir Tráchtála Gaelchultúir, Ellen Curtin, Uachtarán CLG, Iarlaith Ó Broin, Uachtarán CLG, Príomhfheidhmeannach Ghaelchultúir, Darren Ó Rodaigh, Príomhfheidhmeannach Chumann Imreoirí Gael, Tom Parsons
100 scholarships offered for a second year, building on exceptional demand and success in 2024
Gaelchultúr, the GAA, and the GPA are proud to announce the return of their pioneering scholarship programme for the second year, offering 100 intercounty players the opportunity to study Irish with Gaelchultúr this autumn.
Launched in 2024, the initiative, which is also supported by an Cumann Camógaíochta and the LGFA, received overwhelming interest from players nationwide. Its continuation underscores both the appetite among elite athletes to strengthen their Irish and the growing recognition of the integral role the language plays in modern Ireland.
Recent findings from a national study carried out by Gaelchultúr with Amárach Research reveal that 66% of adults regret not having better spoken Irish, while nearly three-quarters (74%) of adults wish to improve their proficiency. Furthermore, 73% of respondents agreed that Irish is essential to national identity, with 70% believing Ireland would be culturally poorer without it.
Through this programme, intercounty players will join Gaelchultúr’s interactive online courses, developing their confidence to use Irish in everyday life while simultaneously positively influencing the use of Irish in their clubs, counties and communities.
Speaking on the announcement, Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said:
‘This partnership reflects the deep and lasting connection between our games and our national language. The strong demand for the programme last year clearly shows the genuine interest our players have in Irish. Our players inspire people of all ages, and by nurturing the language in this way, they show that Irish is not only part of our heritage but a living force in the sporting and community life of the country.’
Tom Parsons, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), said:
‘’We are delighted to build on the success of this offering for players last year, when we were overwhelmed by the number of applicants. It showed a strong desire among our members to learn, improve or strengthen their knowledge of our native language. It is great to be able to extend the opportunity to more inter-county players this year.’
Darren Ó Rodaigh, CEO of Gaelchultúr, added:
‘The success of last year’s programme made it clear just how strong the demand is for Irish among intercounty players. This initiative is about much more than language learning — it is about identity, culture and belonging. By empowering players to use Irish with confidence, we are continuing to embed the language at the heart of everyday Irish society.’
This renewed partnership is a shared source of pride for all the organisations involved, affirming their collective commitment to keeping the Irish language at the centre of Ireland’s cultural identity — on the pitch, in communities, and for generations to come.