The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), based in Limerick, Ireland, has entered a landmark three-year Educational Partnership Agreement with the Middle East County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Middle East GAA).

The initiative aims to strengthen educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and professional development for Irish communities across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Under the agreement, TUS becomes the official Education Partner of the Middle East GAA. Both organisations will focus on scholarships and educational programmes for players, coaches, and volunteers pursuing study at TUS, as well as student placements and internships linking TUS students with GAA clubs across the Middle East.

Professional development workshops, leadership and coaching training, joint cultural initiatives, and collaborative research in sport, health, education, and sustainability are also core pillars of the partnership.

A key feature will be the launch of the TUS Juvenile Féile Tournament in 2026, where university representatives will engage with clubs, alumni, and the Irish community in the Gulf, promoting educational pathways and cultural exchange.

Jimmy Browne, Chief Operations Officer at TUS, said the partnership strengthens community connections and builds on previous initiatives with the GAA in Ireland. He added it would create new opportunities for Irish people in the Middle East through education, employability, and connectedness.

Middle East GAA Chairperson Robbie Corcoran said the GAA is central to the Irish community in the Middle East and that the partnership with TUS would help members achieve educational and professional goals while staying connected to home.

The partnership supports the TUS Global Engagement Strategy and the Middle East GAA Strategic Plan 2025–2028, reflecting a shared commitment to building an educated, inclusive Irish community abroad.

Explore how TUS is bridging education and community across continents by reading the full story.