Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and more than 500,000 playing participants at all levels.  Inspired and supported by the voluntary efforts of its members, the GAA is focused on the development and promotion of Gaelic Games and culture nationally and in local communities.  

Home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium is Ireland’s foremost sporting and entertainment venue.  Over 1,500,000 visitors are welcomed annually to national and international events and the Croke Park campus also features Croke Park Meetings & Events and GAA Museum & Tours. 

What is the GAA Graduate Programme?

The GAA Graduate Programme 2026 is a full-time, paid learning and development initiative that offers graduates the opportunity to begin their careers at the heart of Irish sport and culture.

Based at Croke Park Stadium, the programme provides three exciting graduate roles, each offering real responsibility, professional mentorship, and the chance to work on high-impact projects within the GAA.

The graduate roles available for September 2026 are:

1.    Cross-Departmental Graduate – a rotational role across Marketing, Communications, and Sponsorship & Commercial

2.   Games Administration and Player Welfare Graduate – supporting the delivery and governance of national competitions and fixtures and player welfare initiatives

3. Finance Graduate – contributing to the GAA’s Finance Department with hands-on experience in core financial processes

The Cross-Departmental Graduate will rotate every four months through three key departments, gaining exposure to campaign development, digital strategy, media engagement, and brand partnerships.

Duration & Location:

The programme will run for a period of 12 months, commencing at the start of September 2026. For the Cross-Departmental Graduate, this includes three rotations (each lasting four months) across the GAA’s Marketing, Communications, and Commercial departments.

All graduates will work a maximum of 35 hours per week. Standard hours are 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work required (time off in lieu will apply).

Graduates will be based in the GAA’s central office at Croke Park Stadium, sharing space with GAA and stadium employees. On occasion, work may take place off-site at agency offices, match venues, or promotional events. Hybrid working arrangements are also available.

What will Programme Participants learn?

A lot — and quickly.

The GAA is at the heart of Irish life, with over 1,600 clubs, a growing global footprint, and over 500,000 registered players. Supporting this vibrant ecosystem takes more than passion — it takes well-organised, highly skilled teams across Marketing, Communications, Sponsorship, Finance and Games Administration.

As a GAA Graduate, you won’t just observe — you’ll become part of those teams, gaining first-hand experience and contributing meaningfully to the day-to-day and strategic delivery of Gaelic Games at national level.

Cross-Departmental Graduate

This three-part rotation offers broad exposure to how the GAA promotes, protects, and commercialises its games and brand. You’ll rotate every four months, gaining practical, real-time experience in each area:

Marketing

• Campaign research and concept development
• Branding, media planning and content creation
• TV, radio, print, digital and social media platforms
• Match-day activations and local community outreach
• Graphic design and creative development

Communications

• Writing press releases and stakeholder messaging
• Managing media events and interviews
• Responding to public/media queries
• Executing digital communications strategies
• Supporting internal and external engagement

Commercial (Sponsorship)

• Supporting partner servicing and rights delivery
• Managing relationships with key sponsors (e.g. AIB, SuperValu, Allianz)
• Assisting with event activations and benefit fulfilment
• Researching and approaching new commercial partners

You’ll be actively involved in campaigns and events including the All-Ireland Championships, Croke Park sustainability initiatives, the GAA Museum & Tours, and more.

Finance Graduate

Based within the GAA Finance Department at Croke Park, this role offers a practical introduction to finance within a large, multi-faceted organisation. You’ll learn how to:

• Record and process financial transactions and gain an appreciation of the importance of timely and accurate data capture into the General ledger
• Complete monthly bank, balance sheet and trade reconciliations
• Manage travel and expense claims
• Assist with budget preparation and the monthly accounts reporting process to established timelines
• Assist with year-end audit processes focussing on timely and accurate data provision on audit requests
• Use accounting systems (Dynamics) and Excel for financial analysis
• Support ad hoc financial reporting and provide admin support to the Finance Director

You’ll leave with valuable insight into corporate finance, reporting standards and financial operations in a not-for-profit environment.

Games Administration Graduate

The Games Administration team manages the nuts and bolts of fixtures, results, player eligibility and discipline. This role offers a front-row seat to how our competitions are structured and delivered.

You’ll gain experience in:

• Fixture planning, scheduling and results management
• Competition documentation and system updates
• Match-day logistics (e.g. running orders, accreditation, referee liaison)
• Player eligibility and disciplinary procedures
• Supporting clubs, counties, provinces and match officials
• General games administration and stakeholder engagement

You’ll help ensure the smooth running of national competitions and gain a deep understanding of the administrative backbone of Gaelic Games.

Graduate consultation & feedback:

Ongoing guidance and feedback are central to the success of all three graduate roles — whether you’re rotating through departments or embedded in a specialist team.

Throughout the 12-month programme, graduates will receive regular informal feedback from their line managers and mentors, helping them grow in confidence and competence in their role. A formal end-of-programme review will also take place to reflect on your progress, learning, and next steps.

This structure ensures that no matter which role you’re in, you’ll receive clear, constructive and consistent feedback to help you make the most of your graduate experience.

On-boarding:

On day one, the on-boarding managers will bring their new Department member through the various functions, provide a tour of the stadium and adjoining office space, and introduce them to the rest of the staff.

Programme Co-Ordinator/Steering Group:

All GAA Graduates will be supported by experienced professionals who are committed to helping them succeed and grow throughout their time with the organisation.

Cross-Departmental Graduates will report to the Programme Co-ordinator – the Head of GAA Marketing – or a designated representative. During each rotation, day-to-day supervision will be provided by the relevant departmental lead:

Communications: Director of Communications

Commercial: Commercial & Sponsorship Manager

   Marketing: Marketing Manager or assigned mentor
Graduates in this role will also benefit from informal mentoring across all three departments.

Finance Graduate will report to the Finance Director and work closely with the wider Finance team. Day-to-day support and supervision will be provided by a senior finance team member.

Games Administration Graduate will report to the Director of Player Club and Games Administration or a nominated manager. They will work as part of the central team delivering fixtures, competition support, and governance.

Across all roles, mentoring and structured guidance will be a key part of your development, ensuring you’re supported in gaining valuable skills and insight throughout the programme.

Payment:

The programme participants shall receive payment for the duration of the period. In return, it is anticipated that they will work at a level befitting of their experience and enjoy being a member of one of the hardest working teams in Irish sport!

Applicant Criteria:

We are now inviting applications for the 2026 GAA Graduate Programme, which includes three graduate opportunities:

• Cross-Departmental Graduate (Marketing, Communications & Commercial)
• Finance Graduate
• Games Administration Graduate

Applicants must hold – or be on track to complete – a relevant third-level degree in one of the following (or related) areas:

• Cross-Departmental Role: Marketing, Communications, Business, Media, Sport Management, or a related discipline
• Finance Role: Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business with a finance focus
• Games Administration Role: Sports Management, Business, Law, Public Administration, or another relevant field

Final-year students who will have completed their degrees before the programme start date are welcome to apply.

Please note: The programme will commence in early September 2026 at Croke Park Stadium. Applicants must have completed all studies (including exams, placements, or outstanding modules) prior to the start date. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates who will still be completing academic requirements beyond this date.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold (or be due to complete by September 2026) a third-level degree in a relevant field:
• Cross-Departmental: Marketing, Communications, Business, Media, or related
• Finance: Accounting, Finance, Business with a finance stream, or related
• Games Administration: Sports Management, Arts, Business, or similar
• A strong knowledge of, and interest in, the GAA and the role of Croke Park
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team
• Proactive, enthusiastic and self-motivated, with strong attention to detail
• Strong organisational and IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office; Excel in particular for Finance role.
• Fully available to start the programme in early September 2026 and commit to the 12-month term

Desirable Criteria:

Cross-Departmental:

• Experience with digital content, media, or storytelling
• Familiarity with marketing or communication tools/platforms
• Interest in domestic and international trends in sport and sponsorship

·         Finance:

• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Sage or similar)
• Knowledge of budgeting, reconciliations or reporting processes

·         Games Administration:

• Understanding of GAA rules, fixtures, competition structures and eligibility protocols
• Experience with sports administration, logistics, or operations (e.g. volunteering or placements)

Application Process:

Applications can be in the form of a CV, cover note, slide presentation or any other format, which the applicant feels best presents his/her ‘fit’ for the programme and ability to undertake the associated challenges.

Aside from details of qualification(s), applicants are advised to include in their application details of any other experiences or interests that they feel would be of relevance to the programme and, as a result, lead to a positive contribution to the GAA as a whole.

The deadline for submission of applications in respect of the 2026 GAA Graduate Programme is 5pm on Wednesday 29th July 2026.  

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.