Peter Mernagh this week considers all the valuable charity and community work the GAA does, off the field of play.
This week Wexford GAA are highlighting a ‘give blood’ campaign which was launched in November in memory of Carlow hurler Oisin Kelly, who died from bone cancer in 2023 at the age of just 21.
Oisin’s father Brendan, who is spearheading the campaign, is in attendance today. Wexford GAA are officially rowing in behind it to help spread the words to clubs, supports and players. There is already lots of information about the campaign in this programme, and more information can be found in the link below:
https://www.giveblood.ie/campaigns/oisin-kelly
When hearing about this campaign, two things came to mind: my own experiences of giving blood, and the various ways which GAA organisations support the wider community.
I am a relative newcomer to giving blood, having first donated two years ago. I regret not having done so prior to that, but it is never too late to start.
Signing up is simple. Go onto the give blood website and follow the steps. The process each time is also straightforward. You will receive a text when there is a clinic in your area. You can then ring up and make an appointment.
It is a very nice feeling to know that you are making a small difference to someone who needs a bit of help. Each time I have donated, I have been greeted by a warm face, and everything has run very smoothly. After donating, you are then escorted to a table full of biscuits, crisps and drinks to get the sugar back up, while waiting for a few minutes to make sure everything is ok before heading home.
On the last occasion I donated, the nurse went through the standard questionnaire and tests, and then told my blood was going to be used for a child in need. Two days later I received a text to say that my blood had just been issued to a patient in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. That was a very special feeling and one which will keep me returning to donate as often as I can for as long as I can. I would encourage you to do the same if you can.
This brings me on to highlighting the fantastic community work that our GAA clubs do. Off the top of my head, I can think of a St Stephen’s Day charity football match run over the last 15 years or so which has raised tens of thousands for Wexford hospice homecare. I can think of many campaigns to help raise money for sick children who need lifesaving treatment. Each club has their own ways of raising money for charities throughout the year. From a social inclusion point of view, we see the development in recent years of ‘mothers and others’ and ‘dads and lads’ social GAA teams, autism friendly summer camps and Scór competitions for those with off field talents in our communities. Facilities have been developed in many clubs to include gyms, tennis courts, walking tracks, all with the aim of including as many in the community as possible. Castletown-Liam Mellows run a ‘ball for all’ initiative, which provides playing opportunities for people with special needs, while at county level Wexford GAA hosts a senior citizens Christmas dinner.
There are no doubt many other charity or community events that I haven’t mentioned, but it is worth taking some time to appreciate the positive impact the GAA has on communities beyond just the playing of our native games. Long may it continue.
