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27 clubs in Dublin 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, 27 clubs in Dublin 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 27 clubs, 3 are receiving the award for the first, while the other 24 have renewed their accreditation for another 2 years demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme.
Club | Status |
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Trinity Gaels | Healthy Club | St Brigids | Silver |
Man O’War | Healthy Club | O’Dwyers | Silver |
St Maurs | Healthy Club | Naomh Mearnóg | Silver |
Commercials | Healthy Club | St Sylvesters | Silver |
Craobh Chiarain | Healthy Club | St Colmcille | Silver |
Ballyboughal GFC | Healthy Club | Castleknock | Silver |
Naomh Oláf | Healthy Club | Lucan Sarsfields | Silver |
Skerries Harps | Healthy Club | Raheny | Silver |
St Margarets | Healthy Club | Clontarf | Gold |
St Peregrines | Healthy Club | Fingallians | Gold |
Naomh Jude | Healthy Club | Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels | Gold |
Cumann Baire Caoimhín | Healthy Club | Kilmacud Crokes | Gold |
Na Gaeil Aeracha | Healthy Club | Saint Patricks, Donabate | Gold |
Na Gaeil Óga | Healthy Club |
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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.
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