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Three new GPA/DCU MBA Scholarships announced

Picture here (l to r) Back row: Michael Kennedy DCU GAA Academy, John Loonam MBA Programme Chair, and last years recipients Justin McNulty and Colin Moran
Front row: Patrick Quinn and Michael Martin, two of this year's students.

Dublin City University Business School and the Gaelic Players Association are delighted to announce that Donegal footballer Paul Durcan, Sligo hurler Patrick Quinn and former Louth hurler Michael Martin have been granted scholarship places on the prestigious Executive MBA Programme.

The three graduates join Laois manager Justin McNulty and former Dublin football captain Colin Moran who became the first recipients of the MBA scholarships last year, bringing the total number of GPA scholarship places to five.

Having satisfied this year's entry requirements and the selection process, Durcan (Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager), Quinn (Software Engineer) and Martin (Architect/Project Manager) will participate in the MBA two-year part-time Programme, widely recognised as the degree of choice for rising executives with ambitions to become leaders in their respective fields. The scholarship with DCU Business School forms part of the GPA's Education portfolio under its Player Development Programme established in 2010.

Speaking about the announcement, GPA CEO Dessie Farrell said: "I'd like to congratulate Paul, Michael and Patrick on receiving their scholarships for the Executive MBA in DCU. The MBA course is a life-changing opportunity for these players and I wish them the very best over the next two years. It is wonderful to be able to provide an additional scholarship this year following the commencement of the programme last year. The MBA scholarships are an integral part of the GPA's commitment to supporting the education of our players. I'd like to thank Dublin City University sincerely for supporting this scholarship programme once again. The GPA is committed to developing long-term education partners and we are delighted that DCU Business School has led the way for us."

Acting Dean of DCU Business School, Anne Sinnott commented: "We are really pleased to be involved in this initiative and to offer scholarships on our Executive MBA Programme to current and former GAA players. Our partnership with the Gaelic Players Association is important to us and we hope that we can continue this relationship for many years to come. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year's Scholarship recipients, Paul, Michael and Patrick and to wish last year's recipients, Colin and Justin every success as they move towards the last semester in their MBA programme."