Garrycastle GAA has received €10,000 in funding recently announced by the Department of Health and GAA president, Larry McCarthy, towards the Healthy Ireland GAA Walking Tracks initiative.
The funding scheme attracted huge interest, with over 300 clubs submitting applications, Garrycastle GAA being the sole recipient in South Westmeath.
Confirming the allocation of funding, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, stated that the enthusiasm and commitment of all involved in creating inclusive facilities gives cause for great hope for communities all over Ireland.
“Clubs will now be able to make their walking tracks more inclusive, promoting physical activity and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the community.
“Healthy Ireland is a very proud partner of the Irish life GAA Healthy Club Project and the Walking Tracks initiative illustrates the Healthy Ireland ethos by supporting clubs to create healthy hubs.
“I want to express my thanks to the GAA once again for the considerable work involved in this process and I wish the clubs well in their work.”
One of the key elements of the project is to encourage clubs to make their facilities available to non-playing members. The provision of walking tracks is particularly important in rural areas where safe, well-lit walking routes may be limited.
This year over 1,000 clubs participated in the Ireland Lights Up campaign with clubs opening their tracks to the community and almost 30,000 people registered and completed the six-week walking programme.
“On behalf of the Association, I sincerely welcome this additional funding for walking facilities located on GAA club grounds. It offers further recognition of the valuable contribution our clubs and volunteers make towards the health and wellbeing of their communities. With Ireland Lights Up about to throw-in again in January, the announcement is timely, and the recipient clubs will put the funding to great use,” GAA president Larry McCarthy, added.
