The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the Middle East County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Middle East GAA) have announced a landmark Educational Partnership Agreement that strengthens ties between Ireland and the Irish diaspora across the Middle East through education, sport and community engagement.
The partnership establishes a collaboration between TUS and the Middle East GAA. It will support educational opportunities, promote Irish culture, and create pathways for lifelong learning and professional development among members of the Irish community in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Under the terms of the agreement, TUS becomes the official Education Partner of the Middle East GAA.
Both organisations have committed to a three-year partnership (2025–2028) centred on key areas of cooperation, including:
· Scholarships and educational programmes for players, coaches and volunteers pursuing study at TUS.
· Student placements and internships connecting TUS students with GAA clubs and events across the Middle East.
· Training and professional development workshops focused on leadership, coaching and education.
· Joint cultural and community initiatives promoting Irish language, sport and heritage across the Gulf region.
· Collaborative research and knowledge exchange on sport, health, education and sustainability.
A highlight of this collaborative initiative under the agreement will be the launching of the TUS Juvenile Féile Tournament in 2026, where TUS representatives will engage with clubs, alumni and the broader Irish community to promote educational opportunities and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the signing of the Educational Partnership Agreement, Jimmy Browne, Chief Operations Officer, TUS, said:
“This partnership exemplifies a core value of TUS, strengthening community connections. This ethic has underpinned several initiatives that the university has undertaken jointly with the GAA in Ireland, and we are now excited to share them with the Irish diaspora in the Middle East. By building pathways across borders, this partnership will reinforce cultural ties while creating tangible new opportunities for Irish people living in the Middle East through education, employability and connectedness.”
Middle East GAA Chairperson Robbie Corcoran added:
The GAA is the heartbeat of the Irish community in the Middle East. Partnering with TUS ensures that we can extend our impact beyond the playing field, supporting our members to achieve their educational and professional goals while remaining connected to home.”
The partnership aligns with the TUS Global Engagement Strategy and the Middle East GAA Strategic Plan 2025–2028, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a thriving, inclusive and educated Irish community abroad.
