ASAP Programme

The GAA’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme, a joint initiative with the HSE, is a unique undertaking in the Irish sporting context.

Its mission is simple: To promote healthy life-choices by reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

Since its inception five years ago the programme has developed a wealth of educational materials and resources that are available to all GAA clubs across the country and beyond. Key amongst these are the ASAP manual, DVD and this website, which aims to enable clubs to best deal with drug and alcohol related issues.

The programme, through its National Coordinator, 32 County Officers and national network of club ASAP officers, aspires to educate GAA members and the wider community about the realities of alcohol and drug misuse, to promote best health practices in the area, and to provide all the support necessary should an individual develop a problem related to alcohol or substance misuse.

With the support of Croke Park, their respective provincial councils and county boards, as well as countless drug, alcohol and youth agencies around the country, the above-mentioned county and club ASAP officers have done tireless work that is not only benefitting and protecting our clubs and members, but also our communities as a whole. However, this is an area of on-going work, as countless reports and surveys show that a high percentage of Irish people continue to engage with alcohol and other substances in a manner that is detrimental to their health.

As a result, the GAA, under its Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015, has charged each club and county board with adopting a Drug and Alcohol policy. In addiction, all clubs have also been tasked with ensuring an active ASAP officer is in place by the end of 2012.

If your club does not yet have an ASAP officer, or you would like more information on how to draft and adopt a drugs and alcohol policy please contact your county ASAP officer or the National Coordinator, Colin Regan. Click here for county contact details.

Please take the time to examine the many resources available on this website and to take advantage of the services offered by the GAA’s ASAP programme.

To speak in confidence and for free to a professional about alcohol or other drugs call...

Republic of Ireland - 1800 459 459
Northern Ireland - 0800 776600
or you can use the online service provided by clicking on the Live Helper! link in the left navigation.

Photo caption: Mickey Harte, Tyrone football manager, shows his support for the ASAP programme at an event in the county. He is joined by Mary Connolly, Tyrone GAA Health and Well-Being Committee, Colin Regan, ASAP programme National Coordinator, and Cuthbert Donnelly, Tyrone ASAP officer.