GAA clubs encouraged to become dementia inclusive

The GAA has partnered with the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign and the family of former GAA President Seán McCague to raise awareness about dementia at the All-Ireland football semi-final in Croke Park on July 12^th and beyond.

The theme for the partnership, Standing Together on and off the Pitch, recognises the vital role that local clubs and volunteers play in supporting people living with dementia to stay connected and involved in their communities. The popular Monaghan man, who held the presidency of the Association from 2000-2003, lived with dementia for ten years before his death in November 2022. Following his diagnosis his beloved Scotstown GAA club remained a vital social outlet for McCague and his family: his wife Bernie and their five daughters Paula, Nuala, Martha, Freda and Emma.

Often, it is the small actions that can make the biggest difference, a kind word, accompanying someone to a match, welcoming someone at the gate, talking about the previous games or which local player is playing well. This is what Dementia: Understand Together is all about, encouraging everyone to take simple actions to respect and include people living with dementia. A significant body of research shows the many health benefits associated with social engagement both in terms of dementia prevention and as a post-diagnostic support.

A special video recorded at the Scotstown club highlights how GAA clubs across Ireland can embrace people living with dementia, demonstrating solidarity with them, their families and carers helping them to remain connected to their communities and their passions.

The awareness video will get multiple plays on Croke Park’s big screens at the All-Ireland semi-final and will be shared extensively across the GAA’s network of over 2,000+ clubs and social media channels. GAA members living with dementia and their carers will also unfurl an enormous ‘Dementia Inclusive Community’ banner, displaying the national symbol of solidarity and support, on the hallowed turf of Croke Park before throw-in of the big match.

Dublin GAA stars Niamh and John Hetherton are ambassadors for the initiative and are supporting a close family member living with dementia.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “The GAA motto ‘Where We All Belong’ is something we try to bring to life every day, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than by ensuring those living with dementia in our communities and their families know the GAA is somewhere they belong.

“Having the McCague family involved makes this extra special for the GAA. While Seán was a unique individual and an exceptional leader, he was ultimately a GAA volunteer who worked tirelessly to make the Association as inclusive as possible. We’re delighted to honour his legacy in this way.”

Prof Seán O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist at Tallaght University Hospital and Clinical Lead for the HSE’s National Dementia Office, said: “There is strong evidence that social engagement plays a critical role in supporting both brain health and quality of life for people living with dementia.

“Initiatives such as this partnership with the GAA are particularly important as they demonstrate, in a very practical way, how inclusive community environments can support people to remain connected, active and valued following a diagnosis.

“It is wonderful to see the collaboration between the Dementia: Understand Together campaign and the GAA, an organisation that is central to communities across Ireland and uniquely positioned to lead by example in promoting inclusion and greater understanding of dementia.”

Emma McCague, Seán’s daughter, said: “We are immensely proud to be involved in this wonderful initiative.

From our own lived experience of Dad's diagnosis, we wish to emphasise the importance of the support that the GAA community and society at large can give to people and families who are living with dementia.

The friendship, support and kindness shown to us from Scotstown GAA club can undoubtedly be replicated in GAA clubs and communities across Ireland. This support truly negates the feelings of isolation and loneliness that a dementia diagnosis can unfortunately bring.

We hope that GAA clubs across Ireland will continue to encourage people with dementia to remain as active participants in their clubs.”

Minister of State for Older People at the Department of Health, Kieran O’Donnell, TD, said:

“I commend the GAA and the Dementia: Understand Together campaign for taking this very worthwhile initiative to ensure that people with dementia can remain involved in what for many will have been a central part of their lives for decades”.

“As one of Ireland’s most influential and far‑reaching community organisations, the GAA is uniquely placed to make a meaningful difference. By fostering understanding and encouraging inclusive practices, the GAA can help ensure that people living with dementia continue to participate fully in the sporting and social life that is so central to many communities across the country.

“It is inspiring to see so many champions and partners rallying behind the national Dementia: Understand Together campaign. Their collective effort is helping to ensure that people living with dementia and their families feel supported, valued, and included in their communities.

“I wish to acknowledge the great contribution of the family of the late Seán McCague in raising Dementia awareness.

“Government is committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that people with dementia, together with their families, can live well at home and in their own communities for as long as possible.”

The partnership is being supported by the Global Brain Health Institute, located in Trinity College Dublin.