Clubs encouraged to particpiate in 'Movember Ahead of the Game' programme
Pictured at the launch of Movember Ahead of the Game Phase 4 2026 is Martin Stackpoole, programme facilitator and former Kerry hurler, at Croke Park in Dublin. Since its launch in 2024, Movember Ahead of the Game has reached more than 17,000 participants through mental health literacy workshops delivered in 400+ GAA clubs across the island of Ireland. This year, the GAA and GPA are encouraging clubs across Ireland to take part in The Most Important Team Talk, continuing to raise awareness of the importance of mental fitness both on and off the pitch. For more details visit learning.gaa.ie/Movember Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
The GAA and GPA are encouraging clubs around Ireland to take part in “The Most Important Team Talk” this year, as the Movember Ahead of the Game programme launches for its third year.
Sports psychologist Kevin McManamon, former Limerick hurling captain and five-time All-Ireland winner Declan Hannon, MAOTG Facilitator & five-time All-Ireland Winner Dublin’s Leah Caffrey, and former Kerry hurler and MAOTG Facilitator Martin Stackpoole officially launched the latest phase of the programme at a special event in Croke Park on Monday, July 6.
Since its launch in 2024, more than 17,000 players, parents and coaches from all 32 counties have participated in Movember Ahead of the Game workshops delivering over 650 workshops to underage teams across the country. The initiative is supported by Healthy Ireland and HSE National Office of Suicide Prevention (NOSP).
At the heart of the programme are GAA clubs, with workshops delivered to underage teams in clubhouses nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage meaningful conversations around mental fitness at every level of the game.
The workshops are facilitated by current and former inter-county players through the GPA, helping to create open and relatable discussions based on shared experiences both on and off the pitch.
Participants learn how to better understand mental health, build resilience, and support teammates and friends, helping young players develop important life skills alongside their sporting ambitions.
“The Most Important Team Talk” highlights the importance of mental fitness as part of overall performance and wellbeing, giving players the tools and confidence to thrive both on and off the pitch.
President of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Jarlath Burns said: “Over 17,000 players and members of the GAA community have already benefited from Movember Ahead of the Game in recent years. Mental wellbeing is a vital consideration for every healthy player, and ensuring that players have the skills that they need in this area is important for the Association.
CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, Tom Parsons said: “By using GPA members as Facilitators in workshops around the country, the Movember Ahead of the Game programme has given players first-hand experience of the mental barriers players at all levels face, and the tools that are needed to overcome them.”
Sports Psychologist Kevin McManamon said: “I’ve been in a privileged position to work with some amazing teams in my career. These players have developed the mental skills to thrive on the biggest stage. Team talks are always a crucial part of sport, but the skills learned in Movember Ahead of the Game workshops are the most important of all.”
Former Limerick Hurling Captain Declan Hannon said: “I’ve been in countless dressing rooms in my time, and heard some brilliant team talks, but these workshops will provide players with the skills to last a lifetime. Players will excel on the pitch, if they have the mental skills off it.”