Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme welcomes 191 new clubs - expanding the community impact

The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme continues to strengthen the role of GAA clubs as vital pillars of community wellbeing, with 191 new clubs joining the initiative following a national Orientation Day held on Saturday, March 7th at Croke Park.

Club representatives from across the country attended the event, where they were introduced to the programme and the supports available to help them develop initiatives that enhance the health and wellbeing of their members and local communities.

GAA clubs have long been at the heart of Irish communities, serving as places where people connect, volunteer, and support one another. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme builds on this tradition by supporting clubs to become leaders in community health. Through raising awareness, delivering locally driven initiatives, and fostering inclusive and supportive environments, participating clubs play a vital role in promoting the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of their members and the wider community. The programme is proudly supported by Irish Life, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, and the Tomar Trust.

The addition of 191 new clubs brings the total number of clubs engaged in the programme to 800, marking a significant expansion and reflecting the growing commitment within the GAA to building healthier communities. These clubs will now begin implementing initiatives tailored to the needs of their own areas—ranging from promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits to supporting mental health awareness and social inclusion.

The programme’s impact at community level is already substantial. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation published in 2023 highlighted the significant value generated through club-led health initiatives, demonstrating that the programme delivers meaningful social benefits for individuals, families, and communities alike.

As this latest group of clubs begins its journey, the programme continues to showcase the unique power of GAA clubs to make a lasting and positive difference in communities across Ireland**.**

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: "It's a long time since there has been a proof of concept in the GAA as emphatic a success as the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme. From just a handful of clubs in the initial pilot we are now as of 2026 standing with approximately 50 per cent of clubs engaging directly in the programme.

"Clubs don't need trophies to know when they are thriving and the HCP illustrates this. A club is thriving when the line between community life and club life are one and the same thing, moving in tune together because they are together.

"Across a multitude of initiatives, resources and supports our Healthy Clubs are like an anchor to our members in terms of mental and physical wellbeing. Irish Life have been on this journey with us from day one, and we continue to go from strength to strength. Congratulations to all involved in this continuing success story."

Declan Bolger, CEO at Irish Life said “Irish Life is delighted to continue our partnership with the GAA and to welcome 191 new clubs into the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme. The programme has been going from strength to strength, starting as a pilot with just 16 clubs and now having over 800 clubs involved, all helping to make a positive difference in their communities. These new clubs are joining a network of Healthy Club officers, volunteers and County Wellbeing Committees who are using the reach of GAA clubs to support the health and wellbeing of people, families and communities right across Ireland.

We wish all the new clubs the very best of luck as they begin their Healthy Club journey.”

The Chief Medical Officer (Department of Health), Professor Mary Horgan said: " Improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland is central to the work of Government and the vision for Healthy Ireland is where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level in society.

The GAA is at the heart of every community and is ideally placed to transform clubs into hubs for health and wellbeing. The Healthy Clubs Programme is an example of what we can achieve when we work in partnership and I would like to thank our partners for their contribution including Irish Life, the HSE, and the GAA for their commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of club members and the wider community."