Clann Éireann joins thriving Ulster GAA For ALL initiative
‘GAA for ALL’ continues to thrive in Ulster as more and more clubs get involved in the initiative.
The Clann Éireann club from Lurgan, Co. Armagh, are the latest to establish a GAA For ALL team.
Club co-ordinator Stephanie Moore explained: “Early in 2024 we put out a call asking for those interested in helping to get in touch. We had a fantastic response and now have 26 confirmed volunteers. We have been incredibly lucky as there are so many people who are keen to help the team in any way they can.
Stephanie continued: “Shane McCann from Ulster GAA recently oversaw a session for our group, and this adopted games training provided was informative and gave us plenty of tips to consider and use when it comes to our All-Star sessions. Our volunteer group are all vetted and will be undertaking safeguarding and coaching courses in advance of the launch of the team.”
Team volunteer Aine Beatty added: “So far, we have 21 families involved. We have asked each of these families to complete Player Communication Passports. These passports help us build a detailed record of each player and will be useful to ensure all players and their needs are considered when designing our sessions.
“We will be providing one-on-one assistance for our players where required and with our new equipment and safe space we aim to make our sessions fun while working on fundamental movements.”
Aine concluded: “I want to thank Bronagh McCavigan from Aghagallon All-Stars, Trisha Moriarty from the Wolfe Tones All Stars and Shane McCann for their support. Everyone involved with our All-Stars team feels immensely proud that our club is becoming more inclusive and that we are truly following the GAA ethos of ‘Where We All Belong’.”
Speaking on behalf of Ulster GAA’s Games for ALL committee, Chairperson Kieran McKeever commented: “The inaugural Ulster GAA Games For All Festival took place last summer in Donaghmore GAC, Co. Tyrone, which was a fantastic day of inclusive activities open to all ages and abilities.”
“Seventeen teams from clubs and organisations across the province took part in a fun-filled day of Gaelic football, hurling, handball and rounders, face-painting, sensory bus and garden, and photos with the Ulster Football Championship Anglo-Celt trophy.
“We’re looking forward to this year’s Ulster GAA Games for ALL Festival on 7th September.”
Check out the highlights of the 2023 Ulster GAA Games For All Festival here.
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