The Ulster Club competition will hold special appeal for newly-crowned Derry champions Ballinderry.

Enda Muldoon is looking forward to leading his side into the provincial fray following their 10th county title triumph.

It was in overcoming Slaughtneil on Sunday that Ballinderry climbed back to the top of the Oak Leaf tree.

“We are very happy to be Derry champions again and we are looking forward to making a big bid for the Ulster Club title,” says Enda.

It was in 2002 that Ballinderry won the All-Ireland Club title when Brian McIver, who has just stepped down as Donegal boss, was in charge.

Meanwhile, the GAA has unveiled details of its National Bursaries scheme for students attending Higher Education colleges as part of its ongoing commitment to Player Welfare.

The scheme will be open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course (except those who hold another GAA-related or college scholarship/bursary) and who are active participants in their Higher Education club.

Such students may often feel the necessity to work during their college years, but these grants will now allow them to work with their College GAA Club in a variety of areas without having to find work outside the college

GAA president Nickey Brennan said: "It is envisaged that recipients will be selected on the basis of their playing commitment and administrative or coaching commitment to the college club. One-fifth of all awards in each province each year will be granted to students excelling in the areas of coaching and administration."

The president went on to pay tribute to the voluntary work of students with their College GAA Clubs and said that the bursary scheme would assist students, who might otherwise have to work to meet the costs of their education, in devoting more time to the promotion of Gaelic games in their respective colleges.

It was confirmed that the Bursaries will be administered by the respective Provincial Councils and that applications for the scheme will be considered by a sub-committee in each province, which will include representatives nominated by the Provincial Council and representatives of Comhairle Ard-Oideachais/ Higher Education colleges.

It was also confirmed that in total, the GAA would be investing €260,000 in the scheme this year, with the Provincial Councils contributing €155,000 of this amount and the balance coming from central resources.

Each bursary granted will be for 1,000euros or £800 and payment will be made annually in two installments of 500euros/£400. Further information and application forms for this years scheme are currently available to download from www.gaa.ie the various GAA Provincial Council websites and offices and from the Higher Education Colleges website.