Applications open for new clubs to join Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme:
Applications are now open for clubs wishing to join the award-winning Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme. Gaelic Games clubs nationwide are invited to register their interest on www.healthyclubs.gaa.ie and begin their journey toward becoming hubs of health, wellbeing, and positive community engagement.
The 2025 Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Conference took place in Croke Park on Saturday November 22nd, bringing together 400 volunteers and partners to celebrate the growing impact of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme. This year’s theme, “Community Champions,” showcased the remarkable work taking place in GAA clubs nationwide to support health, inclusion, and connection at the heart of Irish communities.
One of the highlights of the day was a powerful keynote address from former Clare hurler, author, and performance specialist Tony Griffin, who spoke about the importance of belonging, purpose, and supporting one another both on and off the pitch. A lively player panel featuring Mairead Kennedy (Kilkenny), Kevin McManamon (Dublin), and Shaun Patton (Donegal) offered honest and inspiring reflections on resilience, community, and the role of players in shaping positive club culture.
The afternoon continued the momentum with a HSE Balancing Stress session, offering practical tools for volunteers and club leaders to support wellbeing, led by Dr. Niamh Clarke. This was followed by an engaging presentation from Dr Aoife Lane (TUS) on the progress and potential of Health-Promoting Sports Clubs Coach Education, highlighting how coaches can influence positive physical and mental health outcomes.
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme supports clubs in developing sustainable initiatives that enhance the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of their members and the wider community. From healthy eating and physical activity projects to mental health workshops and community outreach, the programme empowers clubs to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Since its inception, the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs has grown into one of the largest and most influential health-promotion movements in Irish sport, with hundreds of participating clubs leading innovative wellbeing initiatives across the island.
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme provides a range of benefits for participants, clubs, and the wider community. Individuals can enjoy increased physical activity, better mental wellbeing, opportunities to discover new interests, build friendships, and develop a stronger sense of connection and belonging. Clubs that take part also gain from higher member engagement, a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and improved member and volunteer recruitment.
How to Apply:
Clubs interested in joining the next cycle of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme can now submit an expression of interest online at www.healthyclubs.gaa.ie . Applications are now open until January 12th, 2026.
More information on the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme can be found at Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme | Tobar