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 recipients receiving €10,000 each and two receiving €5,000 each. The four recipients were announced and honored today at a special event hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, at the historic 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 would help them achieve those 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” will receive €10,000 to continue her master’s degree in science at Longford College and complete her UEFA B coaching badge. “Emily Murphy” will receive €10,000 to pursue a master’s in psychology. “Lucy Quinn” will receive €5,000 to advance her media career in podcasting, social media, and punditry. “Heather Payne” will receive €5,000 to pursue a master’s in sports nutrition.
Announcing the 2025 Sky WNT Fund recipients, Sky Ireland's CEO JD Buckley highlighted the commitment to growth: “Each year, the Sky WNT Fund celebrates the incredible talent and ambition within our Women’s National Team. 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," commented.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain emphasized his accomplishments both on and off the field: “I want to extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s Sky WNT Fund recipients—Courtney, Emily, Lucy, and Heather. Your achievements both on and off the pitch are a testament to the strength, ambition, and leadership we see within women’s football. 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," expressed.
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