Congratulations: Longford’s Caoimhe McCormack receives Education Champion Scholarship

Longford’s Caoimhe McCormack has been presented with an Education Champion Scholarship.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Irish American Partnership (the Partnership) continue to build on their long-standing relationship, providing $128,000 in scholarships focussed on the importance of careers in education over the next 4 years to inter-county players. 32 Education Champion Scholarships will be awarded each year as a result of funding provided by the Partnership.

This year's 32 recipients -1 from each of the 32 counties - are student teachers and those pursuing postgraduate studies to further their careers in education.  More than 300 GPA members are in the teaching profession.

PICTURES | Longford fans enjoy trip to London for national football league encounter

The scholarships were awarded at a function at the Alex Hotel in Dublin last night attended by Irish American Partnership President & 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. 

Also read: Resilient Longford battle back for draw against Leitrim to keep their semi-final hopes alive

Speaking to mark the announcement, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “Teaching is without doubt one of the most important and influential careers that anybody can undertake. Teachers shape and mould young people, not only as students, but also as people.  They play a vital role in their development.

“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.”  

Also read: Longford withstand late London comeback in hanging on for another win

“The Education Champion Scholarship embodies the Irish American Partnership’s mission to honour our Irish heritage through investment in education,” said President & CEO, Mary Sugrue. “By supporting these Gaelic Players, we recognise not only their dedication to sport but also their role as cultural ambassadors who preserve and promote Irish traditions. Their leadership, both on and off the field, is inspiring, and we are proud to invest in their journey as they work to educate and mentor Ireland’s youth.”

PICTURES | Rally enthusiasts throng Longford for top class festival of motorsport

The scholarships have been awarded on a 50:50 female to male basis and across the 4 codes.  The full list of these recipients is:

Camogie

Rachel Breen, Carlow, ATU Sligo                  

Shanise Fitzsimons, Cavan, Hibernia College        

Rachael Hanniffy, Galway, Hibernia College        

Julianne Malone, Kilkenny, Hibernia College        

Sharon Shanahan, Offaly, UL                                     

Rachael Walsh, Waterford, UL                                     

Hurling

Thomas Cawley, Sligo, UL                                 

Ciaran Doyle, Westmeath, DCU                                

Martin Feeney, Leitrim, DCU                                           

Barry Heffernan, Tipperary, Hibernia College        

Rory McCloskey, Antrim, St. Mary’s College            

Shane Meehan, Clare, Mary Immaculate   

Tim O’Mahony, Cork, Hibernia College        

Football (Female)

Niamh Carr, Donegal , Maynooth University

Lucy Dunne, Wicklow, UCD                             

Niamh Gallogly, Meath, DCU                                          

Aisling Hanley, Roscommon, DCU                                

Sarah Harding Kenny, Wexford, Hibernia College   

Orla Hennessy, Laois, ATU Sligo                  

Meadhbh MacNamara, Limerick, Mary Immaculate

Caoimhe McCormack, Longford, DCU                                        

Niamh McManus, Fermanagh, St. Mary’s College            

Ruth Sargent, Kildare, St. Patrick’s College        

Football (Male)

James Duggan, Down, St. Mary’s College            

Rory Grugan, Armagh, UUJ                               

Ciarán Kilkenny, Dublin, DCU                                

Craig Lennon, Louth, DCU                                

Tadhg Morley, Kerry, UL                                      

Micheál McCarville, Monaghan, Hibernia College             

Eunan Mulholland, Derry, UUJ                                  

Seán O’Donnell, Tyrone, St. Mary’s College            

Ryan O’Donoghue, Mayo, UCG