Fifteen Offaly clubs recognised for outstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing

In recognition of their outstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of members and communities, 15 clubs in Offaly have officially been accredited as healthy clubs in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme in 2025.

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 15 clubs, seven are receiving the award for the first time, while the other eight have renewed their accreditation for another two years demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme.

The 15 clubs are Shannonbridge, Ballyfore, Kilcormac/Killoughey, Erin Rovers, Gracefield, Coolderry, Ferbane, St Rynagh’s (H), Ballycommon, Daingean, Ballingar, Doon, Kilclonfert, Seir Kieran and Ballycumber.

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

Community development

Mental health awareness and education

Diversity and inclusion

Substance use and gambling awareness

Healthy eating

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.

Expressions of Interest for the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme will open on November 22nd2025, all interested GAA, LGFA and Camogie Clubs can apply here: www.healthyclubs.gaa.ie