Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns pictured with Charity partner representatives from Hugh's house - Patricia Mongey, Joanne Cooney, and founder Ade Stack.
The GAA has announced its list of charity partners for 2024.
Following a formal application process, four charities delivering work across a broad range of causes and important social issues were selected by the Association. In place since 2008, the GAA charity partner process has now delivered more than €1.5m to over 50 charities.
The charities were unveiled at a special photo call at Croke Park. They are:
- Hugh’s house
- The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
- Ruhama
- The Mater Hospital Foundation
Each of the four charities will receive a donation from the GAA in addition to opportunities to raise awareness about the important work they undertake.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “We are delighted to confirm the four charity partners we will be supporting for 2024 and we look forward to engaging with them in the months ahead in an effort to try and further bolster the positive impact they have in the communities they serve across the island.
“While this support comes in the shape of a financial contribution, we also hope to be able to assist in profiling the good work they do and further enhance their standing and appreciation of the excellent work they undertake for the benefit of others.”
Hugh’s House
Hugh’s House was founded by a family whose son Hugh spent most of his short life in hospital. The family observed while on their journey that many children didn’t receive visits from their families due to the lack of affordable accommodation in Dublin and steep travel costs.
The ethos of Hugh’s House is to provide free, safe, and comfortable accommodation to families who have sick children in Hospital in Dublin. From the smallest babies weighing under 400g to teenagers, every child wants their parents and siblings by their side for comfort. Some families only stay a few days, some are with use for years with the average stay being eight weeks. Just beyond a home away from home, Hugh’s House is a haven where families find support practical and emotional including the use of our beautiful garden. Nobody expects to have a child in hospital but when the need arises Hugh’s House is there with 14 beautiful individually designed rooms.
Hugh’s House is “a home away from home” for those affected.
Hugh’s House CEO Ade Stack said, “Whether in your village or town or when you are far from home while your child is in hospital, we all need a place to belong. The ethos of the GAA and Hugh’s House is about having a place for everyone no matter where they are in their life. Thank you to the GAA from one family to another.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns pictured with Charity partner representatives from Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, National Community Engagement Manager Cathryn O'Leary, Chief Executive Andy Heffernan and Corporate Fundraiser Kerri-ann Warren.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the national leader in advocating for and providing dementia-specific supports and services.
Our vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported and our mission is to advocate, empower and champion the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services.
A national non-profit organisation, the ASI is person-centered, rights-based and grassroots led with the voice of the person with dementia and their carer at its core. The ASI also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia at 1800 341 341.
The ASI also provides a number of other supports and services to people with dementia and their carers across Ireland including Day Care, Day Care at Home, Home Care, Family Carer Training, Dementia Advisers, Alzheimer Cafes, and Social Clubs.
Andy Heffernan, CEO of The ASI said: "It is a great honour for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to be chosen as one of The GAA's charity partners for 2024. The GAA has roots in the heart of every community in Ireland, and with its support, it will allow us to continue to provide for people living with dementia and their families across the country. On behalf of The ASI, I would like to thank the association for supporting our cause, and I look forward to seeing the positive change our partnership brings."
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns pictured with Charity partner representatives from Ruhama, Chief Executive Barbara Condon, and Policy and Communications Coordinator Danielle McLaughlin.
Ruhama
Ruhama is Ireland’s dedicated National NGO and charity responding to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and prostitution. Ruhama provides a range of specialist integrated holistic supports including: Outreach, Casework, Counselling/Trauma Therapy, Training, Education/Development, Bridge to Work Programme, Seeking Safety Programme and Peer Support. Ruhama raises public awareness and advocates to influence policy that will support and protect individuals. Ruhama’s vision is of a world free of the sexual exploitation of women, where all women’s lives are valued. For more details visit: www.ruhama.ie.
Barbara Condon, CEO of Ruhama said, “We are delighted that Ruhama has been selected as a GAA Charity Partner. We are very grateful to receive this generous donation and we know that with the GAA’s support we will have a greater impact in our goal to tackle gender-based violence and raise awareness on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns pictured with Charity partner representatives from The Mater Hospital Foundation - Operations manager Ryan Wylie, Radiology SpR Michael Fitzsimons, Chief Executive Mary Moorhead, Radiographer Siobhan Killeen and Corporate Partnerships Manager John Dwyer.
The Mater Hospital Foundation
The Mater Hospital Foundation exists to give every patient, and every family that loves them, the very best care at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. As a registered charity and the official fundraising body of the Mater, we raise vital funds to support the work of the hospital. Through the commitment of our supporters, we continue to invest in the future of the hospital by funding advanced state-of the-art medical equipment, new services and hospital redevelopment, research and innovation initiatives, and by providing patient, family and staff support when it is most needed. For more information visit www.materfoundation.ie.
Speaking about the partnership Mary Moorhead, Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive said, "The Mater Hospital Foundation is honoured to be chosen as a GAA Charity Partner for 2024. The Mater Hospital and Croke Park are two vitally important national organisations, both deeply rooted in north Dublin city, and have enjoyed a close relationship for many decades. Partnerships like these empower us to continue our work to support those who attend the Mater, while also caring for and supporting our nurses and doctors who work tirelessly for patients every day.
“Working together is also a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of exercise and fitness for the health and wellbeing of the Irish people. We look forward to building on our close relationship with the GAA and raising awareness of our shared commitment to caring for the community."