Health at the heart of new Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Irish in Britain partnership
The GAA and Irish in Britain have committed to working in partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of the Irish community in Britain.
All involved hope that the GAA’s unique combination of values and community reach plus Irish in Britain’s experience and expertise on community health issues will mark a new chapter for the betterment of the wellbeing of the Irish community in Britain.
The GAA is a community–based volunteer led association that promotes the indigenous games and culture of Ireland. Together with its sister organisations the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association they promote the playing of Camogie, Hurling, Gaelic football (ladies and men’s).
The GAA boasts 1,600 clubs in Ireland and an additional 400 abroad, and has a presence on all five continents. It has a particularly long and proud tradition in Britain with some 127 affiliated clubs (excluding those found in colleges and universities) serving a playing population of 10,551.
Supporting the health of its members and the diverse communities it serves is written into the ideals of the GAA. As recently as 2014 a major report by the Clinton Institute in University College Dublin lauded the GAA for the invaluable work it does in supporting the wellbeing of Irish diaspora around the globe, as it has done since its foundation in 1884.
Seán Hackett the President of The Provincial Council of Britain;
“For generations the GAA in Britain has been an invaluable wellbeing support network for the Irish diaspora in Scotland, Wales and England; not just in terms of physical fitness through our games but also in terms of mental and emotional wellbeing through the social activities of the association.
The GAA in Britain remains committed to promoting physical wellbeing; helping people and communities create sporting habits for life by increased participation in our games at all age levels regardless of their ability.
The GAA in Britain looks forward to working closely with Irish in Britain in helping promote health and wellbeing amongst our members and those who come in contact with our games.”
Irish in Britain (formerly the Federation of Irish Societies) is the only national representative Irish organisation in Britain that provides leadership, campaigning and support to all the Irish community. Irish in Britain works with 113 member organisations covering areas such as Health & Welfare, Housing, Clubs, Community and Culture; along with partners in government, business, the arts and the third sector, to share, innovate, inspire and create a network that promotes health and wellbeing within the Irish and the wider community.
Peter McNulty the CEO of Irish in Britain;
“The Irish community in Britain has significant health challenges; high rates of cardio–vascular disease leading to an increased risk of dementia in later life; high rates of limiting long term illness both physical and psychological; the highest rates of death from cancer in England and Wales. These are largely preventable or treatable with earlier intervention and screening. The combination of Irish in Britain’s understanding of these health issues and the GAA experience of a ‘total community’ approach to health and fitness will significantly enhance life outcomes”
Dan Mulhall the Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain;
“I am delighted to welcome this initiative and wish the new partnership between the GAA and Irish in Britain every success. The Emigrant Support Programme, which supports both organisations, is keen to celebrate, maintain and strengthen the links between Ireland and the Global Irish. I welcome this partnership as a practical approach to deliver results for Irish people living in Britain.”