The Ulster GAA ‘Cairdeas’ series features case studies of clubs in Ulster who are making an effort to increase opportunities for their elderly members to be involved.
To find out more about the Cairdeas series and submit a case study of the work your club is doing in this area, contact niamh.mcelduff.ulster@gaa.ie or maura.mcmenamin.ulster@gaa.ie
The next club to feature is St. John’s GAC Belfast, Co. Antrim.
“The Golden Eagles” group at St. John’s GAC Belfast was established in 2014 to reconnect older members with the club. Many of these individuals had once played a vital role in club life but lost their connection after retiring from playing, or following the passing of a spouse who had been involved. The group was created to bring them back into the fold and re-establish that important sense of community.
The group began with a simple aim: bring people together over lunch and hear their hopes for the initiative. It started with just eight members, and while encouraging attendance was initially a challenge, numbers gradually grew through word of mouth and outreach to families. As the Irish saying goes, De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin — little by little, castles are built.
The name “Golden Eagles” comes from the yellow eagle on the club crest. A younger group of over-60s, the “Silver Eagles,” later joined to support events and outings. Volunteers like Jim Donnelly, Anne McCann, Sharon Hughes, Martin Crummey, Kevin Gough, and Paddy Hannigan play key roles—from serving food to operating the lift—ensuring each gathering runs smoothly. Early funding helped the group take off, and an art project featuring old photographs sparked both nostalgia and new friendships.
The first Christmas dinner, funded by Belfast City Council and held with Bunscoil tSléibhe Dhuibh, welcomed over 50 guests to a four-course meal with entertainment by the pupils. The evening ended in ‘the snug’ with music led by former Barnbrack member Eoin McMahon (RIP) and Martin Crummey. This memorable night set the tradition for an annual club-funded Christmas celebration ever since.
Over the next five years, monthly gatherings began with lunch at The Chatterbox, followed by activities like armchair aerobics and talks from local experts, including a pharmacist, podiatrist, solicitor, consumer council, and a historian who gave annual St. Patrick’s Day lectures on local history.
From March to September, the group enjoyed day trips across Ireland, visiting diverse spots like the Viking Splash in Dublin, Glasnevin Cemetery, the River Lagan and Erne, Kilmainham Gaol, Áras an Uachtaráin, the Seamus Heaney Centre, St. Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick, and even cruising on the Stena.
Although COVID paused in-person activities, the group stayed connected via WhatsApp, sharing updates, photos, and support—an unexpected success. Reconnecting afterward was easy, with even greater participation. Since late 2020, outings have been central, including trips to Croke Park, Devenish Island, Ballycastle, and Carlingford, along with regular club lunches.
Maria Gough, leading out on this initiative, attributes the success of the group down to the wonderful people who make up The Golden Eagles. “They are full of fun and adventure and appreciate any activity with wholehearted warmth and enthusiasm. The comradery amongst the group in how they support each other, by chatting on the phone, offering lifts, getting a taxi together and unfortunately attending wakes and funerals, as we have lost up on a dozen members since 2014, is exemplary.”
Beyond outings, the group re-engaged fully with club life—joining the lotto, supporting fundraisers, attending matches, and remembrance masses. At the 2023 stand opening, where the Golden Eagles were guests of honour, former Ulster President Ciaran McLaughlin praised the club for valuing both its youth and older members.
“When I look across this stand where down one side I see so many of the youth of this club, while down the other side are rows and rows of the elderly club folk, I know this is a club that not only values its young but very much its’ elderly.”
One member of the group who found it difficult to socialise after the death of his wife eventually came along to a group gathering. His comment after a trip to Dublin shows the importance of this valuable club initiative. “For four years I sat and looked at four walls and when I came to the group last month I felt so welcome that I asked myself why I hadn’t joined before this. It has given me a new lease of life.”
Another member commented, “When my husband took ill and subsequently died I lost touch with the club. Club events were no longer part of my life until a letter dropped through my door inviting me to come and join The Golden Eagles. Far from it being a group of old people sitting about, it is laced with trips out and professionals coming in to talk about topics pertinent to our generation. This is so good for your whole mind and body, something which health professionals advocate.”
St. John’s Club Chairman Aidan Kelly reflected, “The importance of the ‘Golden Eagles’ to our club must never be underestimated as they are most valued members. Many of them have been an inspiration to us all when we were growing up, as either players, coaches or volunteers and despite the fact that their ‘on field’ activities may have come to an end, their affiliation and connection to the club will always remain. We are proud to be able to say that here in St. John’s we fully embrace all ages from Fundamentals through to the Golden Eagles.”
Measuring Success
The formation and sustainability of The Golden Eagles is one of the many things which St. John’s are so proud of:
- This venture is totally sustainable 10 years on since its inception
- Numbers continually increasing as others reach retirement age and freedom
- Reconnecting with contemporaries as many of their friendship group have passed away
- Provides focal point for individuals who live alone
- Social Outings are major success in getting people out and about across Ireland
- Communication forum through Whats App – family members included where a group member doesn’t have Whats App
- Communication from the wider club through monthly gatherings
- A major source of support for members and their families at different times but particularly at the loss of a loved one or a member
- All the members feel valued and respected throughout the club
- The younger generation (under 60) are educated in the importance of looking after all the families who make up St. John’s regardless of age or ability to play
Challenges
- Social trips are so important for this age group but it is the rising cost of buses which curtails ability to offer these.
The Future
- To continue to provide a warm and caring environment for all family members into old age.
- To encourage the GAA to provide funding from source, to help clubs provide activities for their elderly members (similar to Healthy Clubs).
Maria acknowledges: “The privilege and an honour to look after this ever increasing, wonderful group of people. To care for those who helped me become a valued member of St. John’s in their later years, is simply giving back.”
By Michael Devlin Thu 31st Jul
