Sky Ireland has announced the four recipients of the 2025 Sky WNT Fund – an annual bursary of €30,000, established to champion members of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team in their academic and career ambitions off the pitch.

Now in its fourth year, Sky Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and development of the Women’s National Team players, increasing this year’s fund from €25,000 to €30,000.

For the first time, the fund will be split between four winners, with two winners to receive €10,000 each and two winners to receive €5,000 each.

The four recipients were announced and honoured today in a special event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, in Dublin’s Mansion House.

The Sky WNT Fund is a bursary open to all current Irish Women’s National Team squad players, designed to empower recipients by providing financial support to aid their academic, professional and post-football career ambitions.

Players were asked to submit a video to the judging panel, outlining their academic or career development goals and how the financial support will be used to contribute to their goals.

After careful consideration of all entries, the judging panel – Sky Ireland’s Marketing & Brand Director, Caroline Donnellan; the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain; sports journalist Cliona Foley; and Hannah Dingley, Head of Women and Girls Football at the FAI – selected the four recipients of the 2025 fund. The recipients are as follows:

  • Courtney Brosnan: Courtney will receive €10,000 to continue her master’s degree in science at Longford College, as well as completing her UEFA B coaching badge.
  • Emily Murphy: Emily will receive €10,000 to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.
  • Lucy Quinn: Lucy will receive €5,000 to further her media career in podcasting, social media and punditry.
  • Heather Payne: Heather will receive €5,000 to pursue a master’s degree in sports nutrition.

“Each year, the Sky WNT Fund celebrates the incredible talent and ambition within our Women’s National Team,” said Sky Ireland CEO JD Buckley.

“Beyond their demanding international and club careers, these players are pursuing degrees, building businesses, and laying the groundwork for their futures.”

“Their commitment to growth on and off the pitch is truly remarkable. On behalf of everyone at Sky, I want to congratulate Courtney, Emily, Lucy and Heather on this well-deserved recognition.”

“The achievements of today’s recipients both on and off the pitch are a testament to the strength, ambition, and leadership we see within women’s football,” added Lord Mayor Emma Blain.

“The Sky WNT Fund plays a vital role in empowering our athletes to pursue their passions beyond the game, and it’s inspiring to see how it continues to support the personal and professional growth of these remarkable women.”

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

This really is a great way to make a meaningful contribution to players lives beyond the white lines and beyond their playing careers.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team head to the USA later this month, as they take on the United States National Team on 27 and 29 June.

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