Leitrim GAA Health & Wellbeing
This is the link to the latest Community & Health section on GAA.ie
Expressions of Interest for the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme for 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 – Leitrim County Health & Wellbeing
E: chair.hwc.leitrim@gaa.ie
Leitrim GAA Health & Wellbeing Initiatives launched recently – Samaritans and Smoke / Vape Free Stadium
Health and WellbeingLeitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing Initiatives launched recently
Below are excerpts from Bernie Mulligan Dolan’s speech at the recent launch of 2 initiatives in Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán MacDiarmada by the Leitrim GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee.
Signage was erected & launched as part of both initiatives at the entrance to the Stand area and in the Tunnel. Well done to everyone involved on the excellent initiatives.
Samaritans – recognition of our partnership
“We’re really proud to launch this signage in our county GAA park as part of our partnership with the Samaritans – a charity that does incredible work supporting people when they’re
struggling.
This sign is simple, but powerful. It reminds us all that it’s okay not to be okay, and that there’s always someone to talk to- day or night, no matter what you’re going through.
The GAA is about more than sport- it’s about looking out for each other, on and off the pitch. And by teaming up with the Samaritans, we’re sending a clear message:
You’re never alone. So let’s keep talking, keep supporting each other, and keep our County, Clubs and community strong-not just in body, but in mind and heart too.”
Smoke and Vape Free Launch:
“This is a proud day for us in Leitrim GAA. By going smoke- and vape-free, we’re creating a healthier, safer environment for everyone who visits our grounds- especially our young people.
It’s about setting a positive example, protecting our members from second-hand smoke, and reinforcing the GAA’s role as a hub for healthy living.
We’re joining a number of individual Healthy Clubs across Leitrim who have already taken this step, and we’re proud to be leading by example in Leitrim County grounds.
A special word of thanks to Blanaid Carney, our committee member and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Officer / Stop Smoking Adviser, for all her help and guidance in getting us to
this point.”
L-R: Lorraine Mulvey, Attracta O’Reilly, Declan Bohan, Lisa Mulligan, Bernie Mulligan Dolan
Leitrim GAA & Samaritans – Signage Launch 2025
Smoke & Vape Free Launch 2025
Attached are Copies of the full speeches by Bernie Mulligan Dolan
Chairperson – Leitrim County Health & Wellbeing
21 clubs in Leitrim receive official accreditation in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme
Health and Wellbeing21 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
Silver
Gold
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:
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.
“Reaching out to our relatives, friends and neighbours” – important proposal from Leitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing/Healthy Clubs
Health and WellbeingLeitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing/Healthy Clubs
“ Reaching out to our relatives, friends and neighbours”
Right now in the aftermath of such a destructive storm is a good time for us to support those who normally support us.
Proposal to our players.
1. Would each of us or any of us be willing to volunteer to help out and look out for someone they already know ?
2. Someone we already know – could be a relative/neighbour
or a friend who is finding these times challenging.
3. This would involve making contact by phone or text or just dropping in to say hello especially after dark and maybe phoning ahead if that’s possible.
Benefits :
1. Would ensure safety and sociability for many.
2. A vital outlet for each to talk and feel valued. This could be a good time to chat about “The New Rules”!!!
3. Helps alleviate loneliness for the housebound and ensure they are warm and have vital supplies.
Our community loves to share with our younger people. Under normal circumstances these people are our best supporters and this is a good time for us in the GAA to pay them back by Playing our part.
We have no doubt that people, especially our older generation would value interaction and contact with yourselves.
Thank you for considering this message.
Take care.
Bernie Mulligan Dolan
Chairperson.