Irish Life renews GAA Healthy Clubs Programme sponsorship until 2030
Pictured at Croke Park for the announcement of Irish Life’s renewal of its sponsorship of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme are, from left, Stacey Machesney, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Irish Life; Declan Bolger, CEO of Irish Life, Holly and Grace Daly from Castleknock GAA Club, Rory O’Connor, Rory’s Stories and Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ambassador, and Jarlath Burns Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme is the GAA’s flagship programme to promote health and wellbeing in Ireland outside of its official game’s structures. It aims to support GAA clubs and communities throughout Ireland to achieve locally defined health and wellbeing goals that also reflect the national policy agenda for sport, physical activity, mental health, and preventative health. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
90% of participants in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs 2025 steps challenge reported feeling more connected to others after completing the programme, highlighting the prominent role of local clubs in fostering community connection, social inclusion and positive physical and mental wellbeing in communities nationwide. The milestone comes as Irish Life renews its partnership with the GAA Healthy Clubs Programme, building on ten years of supporting the holistic health of members and communities across Ireland.
The 2025 Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge, a flagship initiative of the overall Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, saw participants record over 7 million kilometres of walking, with a record 1,100 GAA clubs and 39,000 participants taking part nationwide.
Nine out of ten participants reported feeling more connected to their community following completion of the challenge, a 16% increase from the previous year’s challenge, demonstrating the power of community challenges to foster widespread health benefits. On average, participants in the challenge increased their active days from 4.5 to 5.5 per week, highlighting the Steps Challenge’s contribution towards increased physical activity and wellbeing.
The results come as Irish Life and the GAA celebrate 10 years of their Healthy Clubs partnership, which aims to promote health and wellbeing within communities across Ireland.
Stacey Machesney, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Irish Life, said: “We are proud to be celebrating 10 years of partnership with the GAA on their Healthy Clubs Programme. This programme has a huge impact in local communities. By encouraging people to incorporate more movement into their daily lives, we’re not only supporting improved physical fitness but also helping to strengthen mental wellbeing and boosting social connection. The record participation over the last year shows a growing awareness of how staying active can reduce stress, boost mood, and create strong, connected communities. Through our Irish Life Health of the Nation research, we discovered that 35% of Irish adults sit in the ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ health category, so there is still work to do in encouraging increased levels of activity. Fortunately, our research indicates that 90% of people are aware that physical activity contributes to stress management, meaning we have a solid foundation to build upon.”
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said: "After a decade of landmark success, high achievement and impact, it is fantastic news to be able to announce that our successful partnership with Irish Life will continue until 2030. Since 2015 the visionary input of Irish Life in the support of our suite of initiatives synonymous with the GAA’s Community and Health Department has had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people all over the country.
The GAA is about Games but, in truth, it is about people and supporting people – on and off the field. That is where a GAA Club is at its best and the Irish Life sponsorship supports this work. We see the results daily in the physical and mental health benefits of our members and the knock-on effect this has on the communities that our clubs serve. Our investment in Community and Health is one of the biggest success stories in our history and the support of Irish Life allows us to plan for the future with confidence.”
Declan Bolger, CEO of Irish Life said: “Irish Life is proud to extend our sponsorship of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme for another four years. Our decade-long partnership is a reflection of our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Ireland. We are genuinely delighted to continue this journey and to champion a programme that benefits people’s health, helps communities thrive and builds better futures.”
Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories), Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Ambassador, said: “As someone whose own club is part of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, I’ve seen how powerful it can be in bringing people together. What stands out to me is how much it supports overall wellbeing - not just physical health, but I'd say more importantly mental wellbeing and that sense of connection we all need, especially on those dark winter days. Whether it’s community events, the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge or simply having a space where people feel supported, the programme creates real, positive change in everyday lives. It reminds us that looking after ourselves is easier when we look after each other and I’d encourage anyone looking to start healthy habits this year to get involved in their local Irish Life GAA Healthy Club, meet new people and as always, have a bit of craic along the way."
The 2026 Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge is now open for registration, and is free to enter for all residents on the island of Ireland aged 18 and over. Participants can track and measure their progress via Irish Life’s MyLife app.