Special Guests announced for Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Conference 2025
Delegates from the commitees of Kerry, Cavan, Mayo and Wicklow speaking at the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Conference 2023 at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
The upcoming Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Conference on November 22nd in Croke Park is gearing up to be an exceptional event, with a host of special guests joining the line up.
The spirit of community, inclusion, and wellbeing will take centre stage as this year’s conference celebrates our community champions. This flagship event will recognise the clubs and volunteers who make the GAA such a powerful force for health, and community connection.
Hosted by Marie Crowe, the day will bring together inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and the stories of people who are turning the vision of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme into everyday impact.
Former Clare hurler and wellbeing advocate Tony Griffin will deliver the keynote address, Community Champions, exploring the meaning of leadership, purpose, and resilience. An All Star in 2006, Tony has become one of Ireland’s most inspiring voices in the areas of performance, and connection. At the height of his playing career, Tony took a break from hurling to cycle 7,000 km across Canada in memory of his father — a journey that raised over €1 million for cancer research and support services.
In 2012, he co-founded Soar, an award-winning organisation that has helped transform how young people in Ireland build confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Over the past two decades, Tony has become one of the country’s most respected performance and leadership specialists, facilitating workshops on trust, connection, and team culture with thousands of young people and All-Ireland–winning GAA teams.
A Player Panel featuring Mairéad Kennedy, Kevin McManamon and Shaun Patton will share insights from their journeys both on and off the pitch.
Mairéad Kennedy is a Kilkenny senior camogie player. The two-time All-Ireland winner is a registered dietitian in Cork University hospital with a passion for sports nutrition. Mairead’s experience emphasises the importance of creating healthy habits, in her work with teams across the country.
Kevin McManamon is a former Dublin footballer and one of the most decorated players in the history of the GAA, with eight All-Ireland Senior Football titles. Off the field, Kevin is a performance psychologist and wellbeing coach who works with individuals, teams, and organisations to build resilience.
Shaun Patton is a Donegal senior footballer and respected member of An Garda Síochána, known for his leadership both on and off the field. Balancing the demands of elite competition with a career in the Gardaí, Shaun understands the importance of mental and physical wellbeing, teamwork, and community connection.
Attendees will, also, be treated to a variety of interactive workshops focussing on key topics including age-friendly communities, gender-based violence, youth leadership, and inclusivity in GAA clubs. The afternoon will also include a HSE Stress Management session and a presentation by Dr Aoife Lane (TUS) on Health Promoting Sports Clubs.
Applications for new clubs to join the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme open on November 22nd, making this the perfect opportunity for interested clubs to attend and learn more and join over 600 clubs across the country that have engaged in the programme to date.
Limited spots are available, register now through the link. Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs National Conference 2025 Registration – Fill in form