Comhghairdeas ó chroí le gach duine a bhuaigh. Congratulations to the children of Fórsa members who will receive a grant under the Jerry King Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme for 2026. 

Thanks to the generous contributions of our strategic partner Cornmarket Insurance, for the first time grants will be offered to everyone who applied for 2026. 

The scheme is to assist the children of Fórsa members, aged between 11 years and 18 years of age, to attend residential Irish Language courses in Gaeltacht areas, as well as daytime only courses outside Gaeltacht areas during the summer months.  

This year the scheme will provide grants of €150 each to a record number of children, ensuring more children than ever will have the opportunity to improve their Irish and enjoy the experience of visiting the Gaeltacht. 

Speaking about this year’s Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme, Senior Vice President Julie Flood said that Fórsa is “delighted to be in a position to offer almost three times the number of grants compared with previous years,” adding that this growth reflects both the union’s expanding membership and its determination to keep improving the benefits available to members. 

She noted that the union’s priority is to ensure that members “see real, tangible value” from Fórsa’s success, and highlighted that supporting children of members to attend the Gaeltacht is one of the most meaningful ways to do that. According to Julie, helping families to preserve the Irish language and maintain cultural traditions is “not just an investment in education, but an investment in who we are.” 

She also acknowledged the vital role of Cornmarket, saying their continued partnership “has allowed us, for the first time, to ensure that every applicant receives support this year.” This, she said, demonstrates what can be achieved when the union grows collectively and remains focused on delivering for its members. 

Fórsa staff have contacted all winners to let them know of their successful application and how to access their payment.  

Any queries concerning the Jerry King Gaeltacht Scheme can be sent to gaeltacht@forsa.ie. 

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