The late Paddy Dolan RIP, Ballinamore Sean O Heslin’s and Leitrim GAA Legend

The death of Paddy Dolan, Ballinamore, will be mourned by his family, by the local community and by the Gaels of Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins, of Leitrim and of Connacht.

An indication of his status as a footballer with the county was his selection, at right half forward, on the Leitrim Millennium Team, an accolade well deserved by this will of the wisp star over a long career in the green and gold. Paddy’s talents came to light at an early age and he first played with Leitrim seniors in the National League when only sixteen years of age, one of the many distinctions he shared with fellow great Packie McGarty.

Indeed Paddy and Packie would go on to share many a dressing room as they lined out together in the National League and the Connacht Championship – including a number of finals – at a time when Leitrim was so unlucky not to have captured at least one provincial senior title and bridge the long gap from 1927.

Paddy Dolan did win a Connacht title with the Leitrim Minors in 1956 and starred at left half forward in the All Ireland Final against Dublin in Croke Park, on the day that Galway became All Ireland Senior Champions by defeating Cork. In his senior career with Leitrim, Paddy would come face to face with many of that Galway side in future Connacht Championship clashes, including the finals of 1958, 59, 60 and 67.

!956 proved to be a special year for Paddy at club level also, as he won the first of his eight county senior titles with Ballinamore and was the youngest member of the side. The team captain that day,

Columba Cryan and his midfield partner Brian Sweeney would line out with Paddy Dolan in Croke Park in 1959 when Leitrim played Derry in the National League Semi-final. Paddy’s other seven county medals were won in 1964, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73 and 79 and he had the honour of being captain of the three-in-a-row champions. In 1969 Paddy was the main organizer, with Pat Murray and Joe McInerney of the Ballinamore club’s historic trip to Gaelic Park, New York and to New England and Boston in 1989. Paddy would also travel to New York with the Leitrim team in a later tour.

Paddy also lined out with the Leitrim hurlers on many occasions, a sport in which he also excelled. Indeed, Paddy Dolan, with his natural talents, athleticism, sharp mind and enthusiasm, is one of those who could be proficient in a variety of sports.

Apart from his skill on the field of play, Paddy was beloved by the Ballinamore community as a charismatic, friendly, charming and lovable personality. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sincere sympathy to all the Dolan family.

Sonas síoraí da anam uasal.

Funeral arrangements: https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-paddy-dolan-ballinamore-leitrim/362155

The late Trevor Martin RIP – Footballer and Hurler, formerly of Ballinamore Sean O Heslin’s and Aughawillan/Drumreilly

The Gaels of the Ballinamore and Aughawillan areas were shocked at the sudden and tragic death of Trevor Martin at the young age of 36. Trevor was a most enthusiastic footballer and hurler who lined out for both clubs at different times.

Initially, he played underage with Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s, but transferred to the Aughawillan/Drumreilly combination, then under the name Drumreilly. He won a number of underage titles with them and was a key forward in many of their successes. He later returned to play football with O’Heslin’s.

Trevor will be especially remembered as a hurler and his enthusiasm for the game was exceptional. He would never miss a training session and his contribution to many of our successes at underage level was immense. In 1996, Ballinamore hurlers had a memorable win over St Mary’s in the County Under 16 Final, the score being 3-6 to 3-2. The Leitrim Observer report of the game stated that “what clinched the match was the brilliant goal scoring of Trevor Martin”.

In 2001, Trevor was playing in the County Senior Hurling Final against St Mary’s in Annaduff and received an accidental but serious head wound early in the game. He was taken to a doctor who stitched and bandaged his head. Trevor returned to the match and wanted to get playing again. Such was his enthusiasm.

A guard of honour of Ballinamore Hurlers and Aughawillan footballers met his remains at Ballinamore Church on Thursday evening, showing the high esteem in which he was held.

Ballinamore Hurling club extends sympathy to his father Peter, brothers Damien and Jason, sisters Caroline, Tracey and Vanessa and his children Benjamin and Sophia.

Sonas síoraí dá anam uasal.

AIB/GAA Toughest Rivalry Episode 1: Meet The Managers – The Toughest Rivalry

AIB, the creators of hit shows The Toughest Trade, Jeff and Kammy’s Journey to Croker and Behind The Gates have sponsored the AIB All Ireland Club Championships for 27 years. AIB recently extended their sponsorship of the GAA All Ireland Football Championship for a further five years.

In 1998, Erin’s Isle met Castlehaven in the AIB GAA All Ireland Club Semi-Finals. With 13 minutes remaining Erin’s Isle and Dublin star player, Charlie Redmond, receives a red card widely regarded as harsh. Two points down with seconds remaining the game looks likes its Castlehaven’s. When a long ball towards the Castlehaven goal seems to be dribbling wide only to be picked up by an Erin’s Isle forward, scooped back and shot towards the net by Niall Crossan. The ball hit one post, then a second post before shooting out. The goal was awarded, Erin’s Isle claim the game by one point but the debate over whether the goal was in fact a goal still rages.

Friday, July 13th 2018: The first episode of AIB’s eagerly anticipate new series, The Toughest Rivalry, airs today. The series introduces renowned Premier League Manager Harry Redknapp and former Sampdoria, Juventus and Italy striker, manager and World Footballer of the Year in 1995, Gianluca Vialli to the culture of GAA in Ireland.

Both Premier League powerhouses will take charge of two rival GAA clubs. Vialli with Erin’s Isle in Dublin, and Redknapp with Castlehaven in West Cork. The two teams faced off in an infamous 1998 AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Semi-Final, where Castlehaven were defeated by a last-minute questionable goal. The controversial ending left both teams with unfinished business.

Episode 1 is now available to view here: https://youtu.be/GiTIrRcJYUU

The series will culminate in an epic rematch, set to take place at the end of the summer with Vialli and Redknapp managing their teams and using their managerial expertise to improve and make a difference to their respective teams.

AIB, proud sponsor of both Club and County, believe that GAA, as #TheToughest sport of all, is built upon rivalries be they local, county, provincial or national. GAA rivalries, despite being as intense as any in world sport, are rivalries of the very best kind. These rivalries bring out the very best in GAA players, fans and their communities.

Over the next eight weeks, AIB’s exclusive eight-part video series will reveal how Harry and Gianluca fared as they swapped their soccer managerial skills for those of a GAA manager.

This week the two managers travel to their respective destination and get to grips with the task ahead.

AIB’s ‘The Toughest Rivalry’ will air each Friday on www.youtube.com/aib and AIB’s other social channels.

For exclusive content and behind the scenes action from Harry and Gianluca’s journey follow AIB GAA on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and facebook.com/AIBGAA.

Cúrsa de Faoite – Irish Language Course

Cúrsa Gaeilge

The Ulster Council GAA runs a week-long Irish Course called Cúrsa Shéamuis de Faoite which runs in Na Dúnaibh, Co Dún na nGall from 16-20 July.

GAA members from Leitrim can apply to attend. Applications must be in by 6 July

The Course is free of charge, except for accommodation

There are courses for different levels.

Application form and further details are available here

The Leitrim GAA Supporters’ Club will host a special ‘Up for the Roscommon Match’ event in the Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, on Thursday, May 24th at 8pm, in anticipation of the Connacht semi-final clash.

The Leitrim GAA Supporters’ Club will host a special ‘Up for the Roscommon Match’ event in the Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, on Thursday, May 24th at 8pm, in anticipation of the Connacht semi-final clash.

The event will feature a panel discussion hosted by former Leitrim player Colin Regan and some very special guests. Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s 1994 Connacht winning forward, Liam ‘Willie’ Conlon and St. Mary’s former great, Dermot Reynolds, will recall tales from their battles with Roscommon on the field of play. Conlon played a vital part in the famous victory over the Rossies in the ’94 quarter-final, while Reynolds scored the vital goal against his near neighbours when Leitrim recorded a famous victory in the 2000 semi-final in The Hyde.

To ensure balance and some good banter on the night, a former Roscommon player (TBC) will also join the panel, with some other special guests also contributing on the night.

The night will also see the Irish launch by Eamonn Duignan of an exciting fundraising drive to raise funds to finish Leitrim’s Centre of Excellence in Annaduff. The ambitious plans will finish the centre to the highest standards, ensuring that Leitrim’s facilities are on par with any other county in Ireland. A special feature – The Leitrim Wall – has been incorporated into the design allowing Leitrim people everywhere the opportunity to record a personal message on a commemorative brick or tile that will forever feature prominently in the Centre of Excellence for everyone to see when visiting the facility.

There are four price options to suit everyone’s budget and need. A launch of The Leitrim Wall was well received in New York and the Supporters Club hope that Leitrim’s loyal supporters will once more back this innovative opportunity to help build Leitrim’s GAA future brick by brick. For more information about the Leitrim Wall visit www.leitrimgaa.ie and stay tuned to the Leitrim GAA social media accounts.

All are welcome to this free event in The Herbert Park Hotel. Light refreshments from 7.30pm with an 8pm sharp throw-in. The night will conclude at 9.30pm. Please bring along any Leitrim people you know.

Leitrim’s Health is Leitrim’s Wealth Seminar in Bush Hotel, Wednesday May 16th

Leitrim GAA is delighted to be associated with the Leitrim’s Health is Leitrim’s Wealth seminar that takes place in the Bush Hotel on Wednesday night next May 16th, doors opening at 7pm.

The list of speakers includes RTE presenter Mary Kennedy, Consultant GP and Author Dr Harry Barry,  the Director of Mental Service Dr Owen Mulligan, Director of the National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh, renowned actress Mary McAvoy, former Armagh and Crossmaglen GAA star footballer Oisin McConville. Special guests include Charlie McGettigan and Eleanor Shanley.

This promises to be a great night in the promotion of positive mental health and well being.

Leitrim’s Health is Leitrim’s Wealth Poster

The late Shay Reynolds, Clooncolry, Dromod and Bornacoola GAA Club.

The death occurred earlier today (Sunday), of Shay Reynolds, Clooncolry, Dromod, and late of Bornacoola GAA Club. Shay had very recently and suddenly taken ill and passed to his eternal reward at Mullingar General Hospital.

The late Shay was many things to many people and gave of his all for the betterment of his community, parish and county and indeed beyond the county boundaries. As a member of Bornacoola Community Development, Dromod Development Association, Cloonmorris Graveyard Committee, to name but few, Shay was always to the fore in the promotion of all that is good within a community and among those organisations he will be sorely missed. Indeed Shay was also an avid follower of drama and starred in many productions in Cloonturk Hall many moons ago.

However it was in his beloved GAA that he left an indelible mark on all of us who were privileged to have shared his company. As Bornacoola GAA Club was dormant throughout the 1960s Shay played his earlier football with Annaduff GAA Club and indeed played in the County Senior Football Championship Final of 1966, with the Aughavas opposition of the day proving victorious. Shay managed to capture an elusive championship medal with his victorious Annaduff teammates in 1972 but with the return to the footballing fraternity of Bornacoola GAA Club in 1973, Shay transferred his allegiance back to his native parish, winning a Junior Football League Medal in 1976 and played with the two Junior Championship Finalists of 1977 and 1978 versus Drumreilly and Mohill respectively.  With his playing career drawing to a close at this stage, Shay turned his hand to refereeing at which he was most adept. In 1980 he was the recipient of the Leitrim Referee of the Year Award.

As an administrator, Shay had few equals. He served the Executive of Leitrim GAA of that era as Registrar and also had a very keen interest in Scór, both as a participant and more recently as a Scór Officer. He served as Treasurer to the Connacht Scór Committee for many years in the late 1980’s and into the 1990’s and had many busy days at Provincial Scór Finals.

He served his club in many positions and held the position of Bornacoola GAA Club Chairman from 1989 to 2002, a fourteen year term during which the Bornacoola Club went from strength to strength on the playing fields with multiple underage successes as the club arrived to within grasp of a coveted Senior Championship title. Following his retirement as Chairman he was elected as Club President a position he held for the remainder of his days.

At county level, Shay was the ultimate supporter. Hail, rain or shine Shay travelled the length and breadth of the country to follow his beloved Leitrim. Many of those journeys were shared with his good friends and equally staunch Leitrim Supporters, TP Cox and the late Jimmy O Connor. While the result may not always have been favourable, the banter to and from those matches was bound to be priceless.

When the late Joe Flynn, Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Liatroma, was elected to office, one of his first appointments was Shay Reynolds as Chairman of the Leitrim Supporters Club. Shay threw himself with gusto into the role and presided over the Committee for the next six years. No effort was spared to ensure the success of the largest fundraising activity of Leitrim’s calendar. Indeed after he had retired from the position as chair of the committee, Shay was still a huge driving force behind the operation and no later than March 10th last, he presided over the 2018 draw in Cox’s Steakhouse, acting as MC on the night, with little sign of what, unfortunately, lay ahead.

Suffice it to say, Shay Reynolds was larger than life. He was excellent company in any company and many sing songs into the future will not be the same. ‘The Rattling Bog’ and ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ will never really sound the same again and certainly when they are heard again in impromptu sing-alongs, memories of Shay will live on.

We, at Leitrim GAA, are extremely sorry to lose Shay as his passing has left a massive void that will be impossible to fill. He will be a tremendous loss to his community and his Club as his guiding wisdom was much sought after. However, his family will miss him most of all and we wish to convey our sympathies to his wife Mary, sons Cathal and John, son in law Simon, daughter in law Nicola, grandson Kian, granddaughter Laila, sisters Maureen Hanley (Strokestown) and Betty Murray (Greystones) brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many, many friends.

Rest in Peace

Reposing at his home Tuesday from 2 until 8pm. Removal on Wednesday to arrive at St. Joseph’s Church, Cloonturk, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in the Cloonmorris Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to M.R.I. Scanner Fund at Regional Hospital, Mullingar c/o McGowan Funeral Directors (donation box in church).

House private outside reposing times.

 Ar Dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Shay Reynolds RIP Leitrim Supporters Club Draw March 2018

The late Josie Torsney RIP- An Appreciation by St Patrick’s Dromahair GAA Club

On Saturday last we said farewell to our club president Josie Torsney. Josie a great Gael all of his life, had devoted his time to the development and progression of Gaelic games within the Dromahair community. He was one of the founders of the current St Patricks GAA club that we all enjoy today when in the late 1960’s Josie entered a number of underage teams into competition. He had many roles within the club including Chairperson, Secretary and worked tirelessly on the club’s behalf to promote Gaelic games within the community

It’s well recognised that the first coach that a child comes in to contact with will be probably the most influential and that was certainly the case for those of lucky enough to be coached by Josie. He always treated everyone with respect and at the end of every game or practice everyone would come away feeling good about themselves. On the evening of a game or practice, Josie and his late wife Eileen would collect all of us at our doors and bring us by car to the village.When you look at the area that was covered in an evening, Killargue, Newtownmanor, Killavoggy, Killenummery, Drumlease and the village of Dromahair, many trips had to be made before and after the game.

 He was well ahead of his time as a coach, his methods would fit seamlessly into any modern day game, Josie’s ability to break down each skill and explain to each of us how to perfect and practice our skills was rewarded in 1976 when St Patrick’s GAA club won its first underage title, the rural under-12 championship and indeed this team went on to win titles at U14 U16 and Minor.

In 1975 the club entered a junior team into competition, coached by Josie and in 1976 this team delivered the Junior championship to Dromahair, a remarkable achievement to bring the club to senior football within one year of establishing an adult team.

Josie had a great passion for Scor and Scor na nÓg and again he worked tirelessly over a range of different acts and groups to bring many county titles and a number of provincial to the club.

When you take into consideration the many other community activities that Josie was involved with, The Agricultural & Gymkhana Show, The Tidy Towns Committee, The Town Development Committee, The Park Development Committee, he was a Peace Commissioner and a Trustee of the Dromahair Park, you have to agree that Josie Torsney was a remarkable man. Josie’s legacy is immense, his shoes will never be filled.

St Patricks GAA club thank you sincerely, Josie, you made much difference to the lives of so many of us, past and present. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Torsney family and thank them for their support of Josie in all of his work within our community.

D’imigh laoch mór an bhaile, Josie Torsney uainn Déardaoin seo caite. Duine ab ea Josie a raibh a chroí sa chultúr Gaelach agus sa Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. Thuig sé go doimhin na luacha a bhain leis an eagraíocht sin. Bhí spiorad na nGael go láidir ina chuisle agus ní raibh aon rud nach ndéanfadh sé féin agus a bhean chéile Eileen (ata imithe ar slí na fírinne) le seans a thabhairt do leaids óga an bhaile peil a imirt. ‘Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. 

Cumann CLG Naomh Pádraig Droim Dhá Thiar

Gaeltacht Scholarships 2018

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2018 – There was a large number of applicants for the Gaeltacht grants offered by Coiste Contae Liatroma. This year, Leitrim County Board GAA was pleased to receive support from Leitrim County Council. This allowed the Board to increase the number of grants made. Grants of between €200 and €400 were awarded to the winners.

Is deas a fheiceáil go bhfuil an méid sin daoine óga ag dul go dtí an Ghaeltacht chun a gcuid Ghaeilge a fheabhsú. Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí. Buíochas freisin do Choláiste na bhFiann agus Coláiste Ó Direáin a thug páirt-scoláireachtaí dúinn.

Buaiteoirí

1. Caillin Murphy, Cornacreagh, Béal an Átha Móir

2. Shane Smith, Drumroosk North, Fíonach

3. Cillian Cullen, Ballyduff, Béal an Átha Móir

4. Maria Mc Grenaghan, Cornaroy, Droim Seanbhó

5. Emmet Doran, Finisklin, Carrick on Shannon

6. Eentje Ó Gaibheacháin Dunagáin, Farnagh, Carrick on Shannon

7. Alva Sheridan, Clooneen, Manorhamilton

8. Elanor Smith, Hartley Carrick on Shannon

9. Micheal O Conallain, Fawnlion, Fivmilebourne

10. Mark Lowe, Corhownagh Carrick on Shannon

11. Muireann Devaney, Mulcaun, Glencar

12. Liam Torsney, Ardakip Beg

13. Gemma McNamara, Gortnacamdarragh, Cloone

14. Rachel McGarry, Drumleague, Leitrim PO

15. Seán Ó Niadh, Hartley, Cora Droma Rúisc

16. Maria Cunningham, Sonnaghbeg, Cloone

17. Cormac Redican, Drumroosk North, Fíonach

Finola Armstrong-McGuire, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Liatroma, and Attracta O’Reilly, Leitrim County Board GAA County Secretary doing the draw for Gaeltacht Grants in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada. Leitrim County Council provided funding for some of the grants in 2018.

Leitrim GAA Annual Awards Night

The presentation of the 2017 Awards will take place in the Bush Hotel tomorrow night, Saturday, February 3rd,  commencing at 8pm. Presentations will be made to the individuals who excelled in their respective teams and at individual level over the season that has passed. The victorious Leitrim Juniors,  Connacht Junior Football Champions 2017, will be presented with their provincial medals also. All in all, it promises to be an enjoyable night.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma Awards 2017

Jim Lynch Hall of Fame: Tom Guckian, St. Mary’s

County Player of Year: Micheal Mc Weeney, St. Mary’s

Senior Club Player of Year: Caillian Canning, Mohill

Intermediate Club Player of Year: Barry Mc Weeney, Aughnasheelin

Junior Club Player of Year: Donal Feely, Ballinamore SOH

Senior Referee of Year: Brendan Sammon, Aughnasheelin

Minor Player of Year: Sean Chandler, Leitrim Gaels

U17 Player of Year: Ciaran Cullen, Aughnasheelin

U16 Player of Year: Paul Keaney, St. Mary’s

Coiste na nÓg Referee of Year: Michael Mc Girl, Drumreilly

Club Grounds of Year: Bornacoola Club

County Hurler of Year: James Glancy Carrick Hurling

Senior Club Hurler of Year: Kevin Clerkin, Cluainin Iomáint

Junior Club Hurler of Year: James McNabola, Carrick Hurling

Senior Handballer of Year: Leo Logan, Drumshanbo

Juvenile Handballer of Year: Evan Foley, Drumshanbo

Ladies Hadballlers of Year: Amy O Donnell and Aoibhe Logan

2018 Gaeltacht Grants Update

 

Leitrim County Board GAA and Leitrim County Council have agreed on a scheme for Gaeltacht grants for 2018. Applications will be accepted from boys and girls resident in Leitrim and, for these grants, they do not need to be members of GAA clubs. Grants of €200 will be awarded to the successful applicants who will be drawn from the hat. Applicants who were unsuccessful under the GAA’s own scheme will be included in the draw and need not reapply again. Link to the application form can be found below and should be returned to Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Cora Droma Rúisc, Co Liatroma by 5.00pm on Friday 16 February 2018. Any queries to Seán Ó Súilleabháin at 087 6821566.

2018 Scoláireachtaí Application Forms

 

 

GAA CALLS ON ALL LEITRIM CLUBS TO LEAD IRELAND TOWARDS A HEALTHIER FUTURE

GAA open next stage of award winning Healthy Club Project

 The Healthy Club project aims to transform GAA clubs into health-enhancing hubs for their communities

  • With flagship Healthy Clubs now in every county of Ireland, the GAA is calling on more clubs to get involved
  • So far, over 12,000 people have benefitted from physical activity programmes and 50% of Healthy Clubs are now smoke-free zones
  • 1,000 people engaged with mental health and emotional wellbeing programmes
  • Over half (55%) of Healthy Clubs delivered healthy eating programmes targeting teenagers in particular
  • Dublin Ladies Footballer Lyndsey Davey, Waterford Hurler Jamie Barron and Mayo Footballer Diarmuid O’Connor leading the call for clubs to get involved
  • 58 active Healthy Clubs, with 39,000 members delivering a range of projects including physical fitness, mental wellbeing and community initiatives

 [Tuesday, 16th January 2018] An independent evaluation by the Centre for Health Behaviour Research, Waterford IT, has revealed that the GAA Healthy Club Project (HCP) is showing significant and lasting improvements to the health of communities across Ireland[1]. Stemming from this, the Healthy Club Project is calling on further clubs to make the GAA a healthier place for everyone to enjoy by signing up to this transformative initiative.

The HCP began in 2013, in partnership with Healthy Ireland, HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, and kindly supported by Irish Life. Its aim is to make every GAA club in Ireland a hub for health, capable of providing their members and communities with programmes that support their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

As part of the HCP to date, 58 clubs have delivered 350 initiatives covering: physical activity, healthy eating, mental fitness, gambling, alcohol and drug education, training and personal development, anti-bullying, anti-smoking and community development. The evaluation by Waterford IT revealed that approximately 60-80%1 of these initiatives were having a medium to high impact on members’ health.

Launching the next stage of the HCP, Minister for Health Simon Harris said: “Congratulations to the GAA clubs that have already taken part in the Healthy Club Project. You are leading the charge and have already made a hugely positive contribution to the communities you serve.

The Government recently launched the Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign by which we want to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health. These positive choices are based around three key areas – eating more healthily, being more active, and minding our mental wellbeing. The Healthy Club Project is a great example of one of our key sporting organisations working in partnership with the health sector to help people achieve these positive changes.”

Aogán Ó Fearghail, An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael said: “Health and wellbeing is core to what the GAA is all about and the Healthy Club Project aims to build on this by making our clubs hubs for health that everyone can experience and enjoy. I’d like to thank our partners, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency, and Irish Life, for helping to make the Healthy Club project the success it is. We look forward to growing the project from 60 to 150 clubs in this new phase.”

There are numerous examples of the positive impact the HCP is having within communities across Ireland, one such example is the “Men on the Move” (MOTM) programme. MOTM is a 12-week programme funded by the HSE and delivered through the LSP network, aiming to promote physical activity and general wellbeing among men over the age of 30.

The 12 week results of the Healthy Club participants showed an average weight loss of 2kg, and an average waist circumference drop of 3-4 cm, maintained at the 26-week check. There was also a one-minute improvement in the time to complete one mile.

Participants also recorded improvements to their social and emotional wellbeing. The programme brought men together and provided them with the opportunity to exercise at their own pace, while developing new friendships. Some of the personal experiences reported by the men include: enhanced confidence, communication and self- care. Direct quotes include: “The Men on The Move programme has created new friendships and left me feeling more positive about myself” and “I looked forward to the sessions to switch off and have a bit of craic with the lads after a tough day at work”. For at least one man, the programme has been “simply life changing”.

Minister of State for Health Promotion Catherine Byrne noted that many individuals and organisations are now consciously adopting more healthy lifestyles and paid tribute to the GAA’s role in this: “These welcome developments in society are taking place alongside the well established traditions of healthy and positive lifestyles that the GAA has long promoted in its proud history.  Against that background I would like to acknowledge the level of commitment demonstrated by volunteers in the GAA Clubs who are actively promoting health and wellbeing and leading the way for other sporting organisations.”

Speaking about Irish Life’s support for the Healthy Club Project, David Harney, CEO, Irish Life said: “The Healthy Club Project is a natural fit with Irish Life’s vision – we want to help people build better futures. Since 1884, the GAA has been Irelands largest sporting organisation and with almost the same number of GAA clubs as GPs across Ireland, the HCP is the ideal forum through which to deliver health messages, and initiatives. There is a natural synergy between Irish Life and the Healthy Club Project and we’re delighted to continue to support such an important initiative.”

Dublin Ladies footballer, Lyndsey Davey said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the GAA Healthy Club Project, it’s really a fantastic initiative and has the potential to have a life changing impact on Dublin people’s lives. My mum is a volunteer with the Skerries Healthy Club and loves it! I’ve seen first-hand how the Healthy Club Project champions the deeper values associated with the GAA: those of community, inclusivity and health and wellbeing. I would encourage all Dublin clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a friendlier place for everyone to enjoy.”

Waterford hurler, Jamie Barron said: “The GAA Healthy Club Project has the potential to have a life changing impact on Waterford people’s lives, that’s why I’m excited to champion the cause. The GAA is committed to getting Ireland more active, particularly the non- playing population and the Healthy Club Project provides clubs with the opportunity to make this happen. I would encourage all Waterford clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and move Ireland one step closer towards a healthier future.”

Mayo Footballer Diarmuid O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the Healthy Clubs Project on behalf of the GAA, this programme has the potential to have a life changing impact on Mayo people’s lives. The GAA is woven into the fabric of Ireland and local clubs provide the perfect space to implement healthy lifestyle programmes, which can support everyone in the community. I would encourage all Mayo clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a more positive experience for all.”

Clubs are encouraged to get involved and enjoy the numerous benefits, including exclusive access to Healthy Club resources, the potential to increase membership and broaden the volunteer base, better community engagement with club activities, improvements in health promoting activities, improved goodwill for the club, and opening up funding avenues, all the while enhancing the health of the nation.

Clubs can apply to participate in the Healthy Club Project by completing the online form on www.gaa.ie/community The closing date is Monday, January 29th.

Follow: @officialgaa or Like: www.facebook.com/officialgaa/ #gaahealth

[1] Lane, A., Murphy, N., and Callaghan, D. (2018).  The Health Impact of the GAA Healthy Club Project.  Centre for Health Behaviour Research, WIT, Waterford, Ireland.