Ulster GAA launches scholarships
July 18, 2013
Gaeilge sa Chlub (‘Irish in the Club’) is a major sponsorship programme for adult students of the Irish language and will provide financial assistance to GAA members who sign up for the Diploma in Irish Language course at the University of Ulster.
Dr Malachy Ó Néill, Head of School of Irish Language and Literature at Ulster, welcomed the ‘pioneering’ scheme.
He said: “This is a significant investment by Ulster GAA in club members throughout the province. “There is a growing appreciation of increased employability for Irish language graduates and this pioneering project is in keeping with the ethos of the GAA and the current DCAL initiative for Líofa 2015.”
Martin McAviney, President of Ulster GAA, added: “This initiative enhances the existing strong links between Comhairle Uladh and the University of Ulster, developing the current sporting partnership with a new cultural and linguistic dimension.”
The two-year (part-time) course is currently available at Belfast and Magee campuses with university outcentres at Cookstown, Ranafast and Downings. It runs for three months in the autumn and three months in the spring and classes are taught in each centre on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Donegal All-Ireland winning footballer Éamonn McGee, who graduated with the Diploma in Irish Language earlier this week, gave the scheme his backing. “The Diploma was a real game-changer for me – now I’m starting the degree in September. The part-time course is ideal for someone with a busy lifestyle.”
Ryan Feeney, Head of Community Development, Strategy and Public Affairs with Ulster GAA, spoke of the importance of this scheme at community level. He said it would both empower individuals and enrich communities.
“This scholarship scheme is an investment in GAA volunteers at grassroots level and will enable many people to achieve a university qualification in Irish, developing their own career prospects and enriching their communities.”
Further information is available from Mrs Ros O’Hagan in the School of Irish Language and Literature: r.ohagan1@ulster.ac.uk or 028 7167 5277.
To apply for the Gaeilge sa Chlub scholarship scheme you should forward your contact details to Dónal McAnallen, Culture Education & Outreach Officer with Ulster GAA: donal.mcanallen.ulster@gaa.ie or 028 3752 1900.
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