Description of Initiative

The Initiative will use the GAA Club network as a vehicle to engage older men who are not currently participating in local community life. It will involve the clubs organising activities and events aimed specifically at older men. Clubs may participate on their own or as a member of a cluster/group of clubs. The types of activities to be organised will be decided by the clubs themselves but in order to assist club volunteers, a Discussion Forum will be made available in the coming months in which participating clubs are encouraged to enter details of their particular activities and events.

In this way, ideas will be circulated and, hopefully, a dialogue will evolve among and between clubs. It is hoped that this dialogue will lead to a relationship between clubs and exchanges of ideas and maybe even inter-club visits and joint activities. Inevitably, many of the activities will be GAA-oriented; however, the ‘Initiative’ should not be exclusive to GAA members - all older men within our club areas should be made welcome. In addition, it will be mutually beneficial for those involved to establish appropriate relationships with relevant statutory bodies and institutions, as well as NGOs and other voluntary organisations operating in their area. Ideally, the project will evolve into a vehicle through which the interests, talents and wisdom of older men in the area are recognised and developed for the benefit of the wider community. At its best, it could transform the lives of the individuals involved while also contributing significantly to community life and social cohesion.