McGuinness launches GAA Academy at Jordanstown

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today launched the new GAA Academy at the University of Ulster which will be housed in the £20million Sports Institute Facility in Jordanstown.

Speaking at the launch Mr McGuinness welcomed the partnership approach involving the University of Ulster, Ulster GAA Council, GAA County Boards, Private Business, Alumni and the main business sponsor, John Sisk & Sons, in setting up the new facility.

The Minister said: “This Academy will provide the most advanced facilities not just for the cream of GAA talent. It will also promote the sport at all levels through coaching for local schools, both on and off campus.

“The University of Ulster has a long history of sporting achievement, with many past talented members of the UUJ’s Gaelic Clubs playing at senior levels for their county, including the likes of present students Raymond Mulgrew and Colm McCullagh who won All Ireland Senior titles with Tyrone.

“The holistic package provided here includes residential accommodation, training facilities, physiotherapy and lifestyle management courses as well as scholarships to assist with 3rd level study.

“It is a state of the art facility which can only serve to enhance the University’s reputation for sporting excellence and, at the same time, nurture the sporting talent of the future.”

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