Ulster Clubs play part in Social Initiative

Clubs across Ulster are being encouraged to sign up to a new Social Initiative which is backed by Áras an Uachtaráin and Martin McAleese. The Initiative was established by the GAA in 2009 in conjunction with Áras an Uachtaráin in an effort to provide a social outlet for older male members of society and particularly those in rural areas. It is a community-based project aimed at older men who would benefit from an enhanced engagement within the local community.

The Social Initiative is now being rolled out to the nine counties of Ulster with an inaugural meeting set to place in the Ceannaras at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh on Thursday 3rd May at 7:30pm. Clubs across Ulster are invited to attend this meeting so that they receive full information on how this project can be implemented in clubs and across community life in Ulster.

The ‘GAA Social Initiative’ is being launched as an island-wide project utilising the GAA Club network as a vehicle to engage older men, integrate them fully in society and ensure their many talents are not lost to their communities. Participation in the project will involve the clubs organising social activities in their respective areas – some of which will be GAA orientated. However, it is important to note that the Initiative is not exclusive to GAA members and the hope would be to have all men within a Club’s parish to be made feel welcome.

All GAA clubs have been invited to participate in an island-wide Pilot Project that is limited to two clubs per county. Individual clubs may also apply as part of a ‘cluster’ or group of clubs. Many excellent applications have been received already and great interest in the Initiative is evident throughout the Association.