On Saturday, November 16, St James’ GAA and St James’ LGFA launched their Irish Life Healthy Club Programme in Teach Cumann Pa Grealish in Mervue.
The committee were joined by members of both clubs, along with members of neighbouring soccer clubs and the local active retirement group. As part of the launch, a walk around the main GAA pitch took place with lots of smiles during the miles.
The Irish Life GAA programme aims to help GAA clubs explore how they support the holistic health of their members and the communities they serve. Healthy clubs consult with their members and the wider community to determine what areas of health are prioritised. The most common priority areas include physical activity, diversity and inclusion, community development, mental fitness, substance use and gambling and healthy eating.
With these priorities in mind St James’ GAA and LGFA have already held two Movember ‘Ahead of the Game’ mental health literacy programmes for their juvenile teams and have started a ‘Gaelic for All’ initiative in conjunction with The Brothers of Charity Service Ireland. Both clubs have other programmes they will be rolling out together in the coming months including a steps challenge starting in February 2025.
All healthy club programmes will be announced on all club social media platforms as well as local media outlets.