GAA and HSE launch new partnership to support children with additional needs at Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps

The GAA and the HSE are pleased to announce a new national partnership aimed at supporting children with additional needs to attend Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps across Ireland this summer.

The partnership represents an important step forward in making Cúl Camps more inclusive and accessible for children and families by strengthening local supports, improving coordination and enhancing the overall camp experience for participants who may require additional assistance.

As part of the initiative, parents/guardians registering a child for Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps will have the opportunity to outline any additional support needs through the booking process. The GAA and local HSE teams will then work together at county level to review requests and coordinate supports where possible.

To allow sufficient time for local planning and coordination of supports, parents/guardians are encouraged to complete their booking and additional support questionnaire before the June 1st deadline.

The initiative will operate through local county planning structures, recognising that capacity and supports may vary across regions. The HSE will act as the key point of contact in gathering further information relating to a child’s needs and determining the most appropriate supports available.

This collaborative approach aims to support more children in accessing mainstream Cúl Camps within their local communities while ensuring camps continue to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “Our motto in the GAA is to create a place 'Where We All Belong' and we are committed to lifelong participation, encouraging as many as possible for as long as possible to be involved and enjoy our games. Inclusion and respect are values that are important to us.

“This collaboration with the HSE and the provision of extra support at our Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps for children with additional needs helps more children than ever before to take part, have fun and learn the skills of our national games in their local communities. Anything that facilitates young people playing sport is an investment in the physical and mental health of our people.”

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley said: “I welcome this partnership between the GAA and the HSE as a meaningful step towards ensuring that children with additional support needs can take part in sport alongside their peers. Opportunities like Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are about more than sport - they help children build confidence, develop friendships and feel a real sense of belonging in their communities.

“I commend the GAA and the HSE for working together to make these opportunities more accessible to children and families across the country.”

Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Disability added: “I’m delighted to see this partnership between the HSE and the GAA, which will make a real difference for children and families across the country. Every child deserves the chance to take part, make friends, and feel part of their community. This initiative reflects the kind of practical action we’re committed to under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and the principles of the UN Convention. It’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring supports are there where they are needed most.”

Anne O’Connor, HSE CEO, stated: “I am delighted to have the HSE partner the GAA in this initiative which will help to ensure that children with additional needs have the same opportunities as their peers to engage, participate and thrive, it represents an important step in embedding inclusion within mainstream community activities for our children.

“As we know, participation in sports and activities has positive impacts on physical health, as well as mental and emotional wellbeing, and this is important initiative will foster greater inclusivity for children with additional needs. It reflects the Government’s SláinteCare policy of "Right Care, Right Place, Right Time", supporting parents, families, communities and, most importantly, children in their communities.”

The partnership will also include additional training, guidance and resources for camp coordinators and coaches to help further develop inclusive practices within camps nationwide.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps continue to be one of Ireland’s largest participation initiatives, providing children with opportunities to learn skills, make friends, stay active and enjoy Gaelic Games in a fun and safe environment each summer.

The GAA and HSE acknowledge that while every effort will be made to support children attending camps, the level of support available may differ between counties depending on local capacity and available resources.

Further information on Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps can be found at: Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps