Protect Children’s Skin and be #SunSmart this Summer GAA and HSE continue SunSmart partnership for 2026

The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland have once again teamed up with the GAA and Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps to support the Healthy Ireland SunSmart campaign and encourage everyone to protect their skin and stay safe in the sun this summer.

The partnership will continue throughout summer 2026, with a strong focus on educating children, coaches, volunteers and families on the importance of being SunSmart while enjoying outdoor activities and sport.

The SunSmart campaign encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely by following the simple SunSmart 5S’s whenever spending time outside, particularly between April and September. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually, and rates continue to rise. Research shows that childhood sunburn significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

As thousands of children take part in Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps across the country this summer, the GAA and HSE are working together to ensure SunSmart messaging is promoted throughout camps and activities nationwide.

According to The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD: “Sun protection is essential at GAA Cúl Camps because children spend long hours outdoors; protecting their skin from harmful UV rays not only prevents immediate sunburn but also reduces long‑term health risks, ensuring they can enjoy sport safely and build healthy habits for life.”

Healthy Ireland’s SunSmart 5S’s encourage everyone to:

• Slip on clothing that covers the skin
• Slop on broad spectrum sunscreen
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
• Slide on sunglasses to protect the eyes

Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can still damage skin, making daily sun protection essential throughout the summer months.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: "We want young people to enjoy being involved in the Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps experience and being SunSmart is a big part of this. Just as important as wearing a gumshield for football and a helmet for hurling and camogie, we know that we should protect our skin every time we go out to train and play. By instilling this message among players when they are young, we can help them build a healthy habit to protect themselves long into the future, and we are delighted to partner with the HSE and Healthy Ireland on this initiative."

Maria McEnery, Cancer Prevention Officer, HSE’s NCCP adds “We know that establishing good sun protection habits early on is important, as behaviours learned at a young age are more likely to be adopted for life. We encourage everyone to protect their skin and enjoy the outdoors by following the simple Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s.”

As part of the continued partnership, Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps coordinators and coaches will again receive SunSmart education and resources to help reinforce positive sun safety habits with children attending camps throughout the summer.

The initiative aims to help children, families and communities enjoy all the benefits of outdoor activity while also understanding the importance of protecting their skin and reducing long-term health risks.

For more information and to learn how to protect yourself and your family, visit the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.