The GAA have launched a new initiative to establish a community project for older men who were once involved with the organisation either as players/selectors/officials or simply spectators and who may over the years have become isolated within their own communities.

This Social Initiative is the brainchild of our President Mary McAleese and she chose the GAA as the catalyst because like a stone dropped into water the GAA connects with and influences an increasing circle of people. Hence the logo.

The objective of the Initiative is to motivate older men to become active generally in their communities, and convince them that their skills, knowledge and wisdom can be of be benefit to all. It will endeavour to facilitate the renewal of old relationships and the development of new ones and show them how they can achieve great things in their lives at any age. It proposes to assist them in leading happy, healthy and productive lives while expanding their horizons, expectations and ambitions.

The Initiative was launched in Croke Park in October by Martin McAleese and 2 clubs from each county were chosen for the initial Pilot Scheme.

Rapparees/Starlights and Glynn/Barntown were the Clubs selected in Wexford.

We at Bellefield are delighted to be part of this new and worthwhile Initiative and over the coming weeks we will be detailing our plans and putting together a Programme of Activity. So keep in touch for details.

Pilot Project

Introduction

The Pilot Project is being organised as a first step in the implementation of the ‘GAA Social Initiative’. In August, all clubs were invited to apply for inclusion in the project but the total number of clubs participating is being limited to a small representative number from each county. At present, 93 clubs have been accepted into the project and they will lead the Initiative for the coming year. We intend to develop a ‘Lessons Learned’ process during this phase, whereby the experience gained by these clubs will be recorded and used for the benefit of those clubs involved in Year 2 (We will be inviting 5-10 clubs per county to participate in the second year of the Initiative). Participating clubs will receive a special certificate and the club considered to have made the most significant impact overall will be presented with a President’s award by Uachtaran CLG, Criostóir Ó Cuana.

Activities

A Discussion Forum will be available shortly on which club volunteers involved in the project are invited to submit their ideas and record their experiences. In this way, we hope to develop an exchange of ideas throughout the organisation. However, the following are a number of suggested ideas that have emerged from various sources already and will hopefully serve to ‘start the ball rolling’. Many of them were organised as part of the earlier county-level projects in Mayo, Fermanagh, Wexford and Kerry.

• Social Gatherings - Simple social gatherings either in the evening or, even, as some clubs are doing, in the morning. For instance, in the latter case, some clubs are holding weekly breakfast mornings that are proving very successful. In the case of evening events, clubs are organising various themed evenings, such as card nights that have a traditional and well-established following. In many cases, mens’ groups will just want to meet for a chat.
• Outings - Clubs are already organising outings for the older men in their clubs and, invariably, they are greatly appreciated by those involved. Such outings can vary from a visit to local points of interest to the regional capital, to Dublin and a tour of Croke Park itself.
• Games - Many of the men involved will have played in the past and may have ceased attending games for one reason or another. Efforts could be made to reignite an interest in the local club team and, indeed, the county team by organising trips to club and county games. If possible, clubs should consider establishing relationships with other clubs in the Initiative - both inside and outside their own county - with a view to organising exchange visits between club groups.
• Reunions - Older men greatly appreciate opportunities to meet up with teams with whom they played. Obviously, successful teams of the past should be recognised and feted (why not consider a parade of past club teams at County Finals as we do for county teams?) However, there is a tendency to bring together only those teams that were successful in the past but most ex-players probably played for their clubs without ever experiencing success; such players also contributed to the development and history of the club and would appreciate a small bit of recognition – what do you think?
• Health-related activities - There is an increasing focus on the ageing process and especially in the context of the changing demographic profile of Ireland. For instance, the Government are in the process of developing a ‘Positive Ageing Strategy’. It is hoped that clubs involved in the project will give serious consideration to including in their activities a number of items related to older mens’ health. The most obvious one is of course some appropriate form of exercise. Many clubs have developed ‘Walkways’ around their pitches/grounds and these are providing a safe environment for older people in general to exercise and an opportunity to participate in club activities. In addition, some clubs have ‘Walking Groups’ within their structure and for those men who played Gaelic games in the past but who no longer exercise, this is an excellent option to remain healthy in a social setting. Clubs who are thinking of developing a Walkway should also consider contacting the Irish Heart Foundation who will advice on how to have it certified as an official Sli na Slainte walkway.
• Themed Events - There are any number of options in this category but one that is regularly suggested is that of a Question & Answer session with famous players – past and present.
• Capacity-building - Many mens’ groups around the country have given the lie to the notion that older men are unwilling to learn new skills. Therefore, it is suggested that clubs consider this option for inclusion in their programme of activities. The men involved will also possess many skills already –developed over a lifetime - that may just require updating. Overall, the older men in our club areas retain the capacity to contribute significantly to the community, including to the club itself. Any such initiatives can only be beneficial to the mens’ confidence and facilitate their inclusion and integration into society.
• Music Sessions/Talent Competitions - Again, this type of activity is happening around the country already and has the potential to be developed further. Why not consider exchange visits between clubs who are interested in this form of entertainment (maybe to coincide with a match). In relation to talent competitions, there is already a competition for over-60s in Cork, organised in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation, that is hugely successful and serves as a template for all areas.
• Community/Club Projects - As mentioned above, the men involved possess many skills and talents and have the potential still to contribute to community life. Utilising the mens’ talents, GAA clubs can develop projects that will enhance both the clubs themselves and the wider community.
• History Projects - Older men have a repository of memories that provide an invaluable reach into our pasts and constitute a vital historical resource. Clubs are encouraged to take advantage of this resource while it still exists to initiate club and local history projects. Consideration should be given to conducting this in conjunction with local schools. Any club considering this option should contact this office beforehand to explore means of support.