21 clubs in Leitrim receive official accreditation in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme

21 clubs in Leitrim receive official accreditation in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme

In recognition of their outstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of members and communities, 21 clubs in Leitrim have officially been accredited as healthy clubs in the Irish Life
GAA Healthy Clubs programme in 2025 and will receive their awards Awards in Ballyhaunis on Wednesday next, 15th October.

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 21 clubs, 9 are receiving the award for the first, while the other 12 have renewed their accreditation for another 2 years demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme.

Healthy Club

  • Leitrim Gaels
  • Mohill
  • Gortletteragh
  • Allen Gaels
  • Annaduff
  • Ballinamore Sean O’ Heslin’s
  • Cloone
  • Fenagh-St Caillins
  • Melvin Gaels
  • Aughnasheelin
  • Cill Tiobraid
  • Achadh Mhaoláin
  • Achadh an Mheasa
  • Drumreilly

 

Silver

  • Bornacoola
  • St. Mary’s Kiltoghert

 

Gold

  • Carrigallen
  • St. Patrick’s Dromahair
  • Glencar/Manorhamilton
  • Eslin
  • Ballinaglera

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.

County Health and Wellbeing Chair said:
Congratulations to all our Healthy Clubs on your great achievements. It’s fantastic to see 21 Leitrim clubs recognized as Healthy Clubs this year. Behind each one is a team of passionate volunteers, doing great work to make a real difference in our communities. In a rural County like Leitrim, the GAA is always at the heart of local life — and our clubs are showing just how powerful
that connection can be for health and well-being for everyone. Well done and thank you!

Expressions of Interest for the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme will open on November 22nd 2025, 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

 

Bernie Mulligan Dolan
Chairperson.