2026 Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge winners announced

10 March 2026 - 9:43AM

Pictured at Croke Park for the announcement of Irish Life’s renewal of its sponsorship of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme are, from left, Stacey Machesney, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Irish Life; Declan Bolger, CEO of Irish Life, Holly and Grace Daly from Castleknock GAA Club, Rory O’Connor, Rory’s Stories and Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ambassador, and Jarlath Burns, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme is the GAA’s flagship programme to promote health and wellbeing in Ireland outside of its official game’s structures. It aims to support GAA clubs and communities throughout Ireland to achieve locally defined health and wellbeing goals that also reflect the national policy agenda for sport, physical activity, mental health, and preventative health.

Almost 39,000 participants braved the elements and clocked a record 6.9 million kilometres in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge in January, despite what was one of the wettest Januarys on record.

A total of 38,709 people took part in the challenge during January, representing 1,090 active GAA clubs nationwide. Together, they not only battled the elements but surpassed expectations, with 594 clubs reaching or exceeding the ambitious 4,000km target for the month, marking the strongest showing since the introduction of the Steps Challenge.

The remarkable achievement highlights the resilience and determination of communities across the country, that refused to let persistent rain dampen their motivation.

The milestone comes after 90% of participants in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs 2025 steps challenge reported feeling more connected to others after completing the programme. This highlights the prominent role of local clubs in fostering community connection, social inclusion and positive physical and mental wellbeing in communities nationwide.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns: “There’s nothing that can’t be achieved when we pull together and work towards a common goal. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Steps challenge is a great example of this. The combined total of 6.9 million kilometres walked in what was one of the most difficult month’s in recent memory due to weather is a credit to all involved. However, it comes as no surprise to me, because like so many of the initiatives pursued by our Community and Health Department, this is about the GAA community representing the best of us, putting our clubs at the heart of the communities and the people that they represent. I want to congratulate all involved and thank Irish Life for their continuing support in what is life changing work.”

Stacey Machesney, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Irish Life, said: “The commitment shown over the past month has been incredibly encouraging. Despite one of the wettest Januarys on record, almost 39,000 participants made the choice to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing, getting out, staying active and supporting one another along the way.

“Regular movement has a proven impact not just on physical health, but on mental wellbeing. What stands out most is the sense of connection behind these numbers - people coming together with a shared goal, motivating each other through challenging conditions and strengthening their sense of community in the process. That collective effort is something to be proud of and demonstrates the powerful role local clubs and initiatives can play in supporting healthier, more connected communities.”

Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories), Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ambassador, said: As someone whose own club is part of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, I’ve seen how powerful it can be in bringing people together. It reminds us that looking after ourselves is easier when we look after each other and this could not be more evident from the steps recorded in January. January can be a difficult month for people at the best of times, so it was amazing to see communities come together and get their steps in during what was one of the most miserable months of weather we have had in recent times."

The Prize Winners

Clubs who surpassed the 4,000KM goal were entered into a draw to win one of three €2,500 donations towards club funding for each province. The 2026 winners of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge are:

Connacht 

Ballintubber GAA, Mayo – 15,530km tracked / 79 participants
Tulsk Gaa, LGFA & Camogie, Roscommon – 8,329km tracked / 65 participants
Ahascragh/ Fohenagh, Galway – 4,005km tracked / 29 participants

Leinster 

Kilmessan Hurling and Camogie Club, Meath – 9,644km tracked / 61 participants
O'Moore's Camogie Club, Laois – 5,747km tracked / 45 participants
Dunlavin GAA, Wicklow – 10,635km tracked / 57 participants

Munster 

Clashmore Kinsalebeg LGFA and GAA, Waterford – 5,850km tracked / 36 participants
Ballyea Camogie, Clare – 4,020km tracked / 21 participants
Tadhg MacCarthaigh GAA Club, Cork – 15,680km tracked / 118 participants

Ulster 