News at DCU

Professor Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University and James Galvin, Director of Sport at DCU, pictured with Cathaoirleach of CLG Na Fianna Fearghal Scanlon along with members of the Executive Committee and representatives from the Adult and Juvenile Playing ranks, including Donal Burke (Senior Hurlers), Orla Gray (Senior Camogie), Laura Grendon (Senior Ladies Football) and Finn Costello (Senior Footballers). Photo: Maurice Grehan

DCU and CLG Na Fianna strengthen community partnership with new 10-year agreement

01/10/2026

DCU and CLG Na Fianna MOU

Dublin City University (DCU) and CLG Na Fianna have reaffirmed their long-standing relationship with the signing of a new 10-year partnership agreement, building on a unique collaboration first established in 2019.

The renewed agreement represents a significant long-term commitment between two organisations deeply rooted in the local community and will see DCU and Na Fianna continue to work together across sport, education, community engagement, culture and the Irish language.

When first announced in 2019, the partnership was the first strategic partnership of its kind between a university and a GAA club. The original seven-year agreement opened access to DCU sporting facilities for Na Fianna while creating opportunities for DCU students to engage with the club through volunteering, coaching and internships. It also established collaboration around education, arts and culture.

The new 10-year agreement builds on that foundation and reflects the strength of the relationship that has developed between these neighbouring North Dublin organisations.

Marking the signing, Professor Dáire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, said:

“DCU and Na Fianna share a strong commitment to our community and a belief in the transformative power of education, sport and participation.

“This new 10-year agreement reflects our ambition to deepen that relationship and create even more opportunities for our students, the members of Na Fianna and the wider community in the years ahead.”

Professor Daire Keogh and Fearghal Scanlon sign the MOU Photo: Maurice Grehan

Fearghal Scanlon, Cathaoirleach of CLG Na Fianna, said the new agreement represented an important milestone for the club:

“Na Fianna is enormously proud of our partnership with DCU. What began as an innovative idea in 2019 has developed into a genuine relationship between two organisations that are at the heart of the local community.

“Agreeing a further 10-year partnership gives us the opportunity to think long term. It allows us to continue developing opportunities for our players, coaches, volunteers and young people, while working with DCU across sport, education, arts and culture. We are delighted to be entering the next chapter of the partnership together.”

The partnership also recognises the important role sport can play in connecting the University with its surrounding community.

James Galvin, Director of Sport at DCU, said:

“DCU and Na Fianna share a passion for participation, player development and creating sporting opportunities for people of all ages. The proximity of our two organisations gives us a particularly strong platform for collaboration.

“We look forward to exploring even more ways for DCU students and Na Fianna players, coaches and volunteers to support and learn from one another.”

The signing was marked at Na Fianna's Mobhí Road grounds alongside players representing different ages and codes across the club — reflecting the community-wide nature of the partnership.