13 clubs in Roscommon receive official accreditation in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of members and communities, 13 clubs in Roscommon have officially been accredited as healthy clubs in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme in 2025.
This achievement is the result of nearly two years of dedicated work by teams of volunteers, who give freely of their time to ensure the GAA continues to be a driving force for health, inclusion, and community spirit across Ireland. Of the total 13 clubs, 4 are receiving the award for the first, while the other 9 have renewed their accreditation for another 2 years demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme.
Healthy Club
Kilmore
Éire Óg
St Brigids
Boyle GAA
Padraig Pearses
Elphin
Kilbride
Silver
Four Roads
Roscommon Gaels
Oran GAA
Clann Na nGael
Gold
St. Aidan’s
Shannon Gaels
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, now in its twelfth year, has grown from a 2013 pilot involving just 16 clubs to engaging over 600 clubs nationwide. Along the way, it has gained national and international recognition as a leading model for delivering health promotion through the unique setting of a sports club. Phase 6 of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme involved 600 clubs and over 2,500 volunteers.
In the 2024–25 period alone, Healthy Clubs rolled out more than 2,828 initiatives, accessed 305,239 times by 152,619 individuals—many of whom had no prior involvement with their local GAA club. Such scale and impact would not have been possible without the enduring support of title sponsors Irish Life, as well as the Tomar Trust, the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and Healthy Ireland.
The clubs’ initiatives span a wide range of vital areas, including:
- Physical activity: including the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs steps challenge, Ireland Lights up, exercise classes, and social Gaelic Games
- Community development: supporting older members, youth leadership, and local charities
- Mental health awareness and education: including Movember’s Ahead of the Game, a sports-based youth mental literacy workshop.
- Diversity and inclusion: opportunities for people with additional needs and allyship with LGBTQ+ communities
- Substance use and gambling awareness: smoke- and vape-free clubs and awareness raising
- Healthy eating: such as providing healthy snacks at juvenile training and education workshops
To earn official accreditation as a Healthy Club, clubs must meet specific criteria over an 18-month cycle, with progress dependent on the capacity and dedication of their volunteer base. Clubs can strive to achieve healthy club accreditation which includes silver and gold awards. Clubs engaged in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme have reported benefits such as increased club membership, attracting new volunteers and a more welcoming and inclusive club environment.
RoscommonGAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll said:
Well done to our 13 clubs who have received official accreditation in the GAA Healthy Clubs programme in 2025. This is a mighty achievement for the 13 clubs and highlights the great work that is been done by Health & Wellbeing Committees in our Clubs throughout our County.
Expressions of Interest for the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme will open on November 22nd2025, all interested GAA, LGFA and Camogie Clubs can apply here: www.healthyclubs.gaa.ie
For more information regarding the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme please visit Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme | Tobar