This achievement is the result of nearly two years of dedicated work by teams of volunteers, who give freely of their time to ensure the GAA continues to be a driving force for health, inclusion, and community spirit across Ireland. Of the total eight clubs, two are receiving the award for the first time, while the other six have renewed their accreditation for another nine years demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme.
Wexford’s recipient clubs are:
- Gold status: Castletown/Liam Mellows, St. John’s Volunteers, Oulart-The Ballagh
- Silver status: Buffers Alley
- Healthy Club status: Shelmalier, Na Fianna Clonard, Cloughbawn, Rathnure St. Anne’s
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, now in its twelfth year, has grown from a 2013 pilot involving just 16 clubs to engaging over 600 clubs nationwide. Along the way, it has gained national and international recognition as a leading model for delivering health promotion through the unique setting of a sports club. Phase 6 of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme involved 600 clubs and over 2,500 volunteers.
In the 2024–25 period alone, Healthy Clubs rolled out more than 2,828 initiatives, accessed 305,239 times by 152,619 individuals—many of whom had no prior involvement with their local GAA club. Such scale and impact would not have been possible without the enduring support of title sponsors Irish Life, as well as the Tomar Trust, the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and Healthy Ireland.
The clubs’ initiatives span a wide range of vital areas, including:
- Physical activity: including the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs steps challenge, Ireland Lights up, exercise classes, and social Gaelic Games
- Community development: supporting older members, youth leadership, and local charities
- Mental health awareness and education: including Movember’s Ahead of the Game, a sports-based youth mental literacy workshop.
- Diversity and inclusion: opportunities for people with additional needs and allyship with LGBTQ+ communities
- Substance use and gambling awareness: smoke- and vape-free clubs and awareness raising
- Healthy eating: such as providing healthy snacks at juvenile training and education workshops
To earn official accreditation as a Healthy Club, clubs must meet specific criteria over an 18-month cycle, with progress dependent on the capacity and dedication of their volunteer base. Clubs can strive to achieve healthy club accreditation which includes silver and gold awards. Clubs engaged in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme have reported benefits such as increased club membership, attracting new volunteers and a more welcoming and inclusive club environment.
Expressions of Interest for the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme will be open until January 12th 2026, all interested GAA, LGFA and Camogie Clubs can apply here: www.healthyclubs.gaa.ie
For more information regarding the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme please visit Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme | Tobar
