Ulster GAA marked another major milestone in its environmental and community development work as clubs, volunteers, and partners gathered at Holy Trinity College, Cookstown for the Green Club Day.
The event brought together representatives from across Ulster to share good practice, explore new ideas, and celebrate the achievements of clubs taking action to protect and enhance their local environments.
Speaking at the event, Ulster GAA Vice Chairperson Declan Woods praised the commitment of those involved:
“It is inspiring to see so many of our clubs leading the way in sustainability. Over 100 clubs across Ulster are now engaged in the Green Club Programme — a remarkable achievement driven entirely by dedicated volunteers. Their work is helping create greener, more welcoming spaces where communities can connect, thrive, and take pride in their natural environment.”
The Green Club Programme continues to focus on practical, achievable actions that clubs can take, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, biodiversity, water protection, and sustainable transport. Clubs shared examples of pollinator planting, native tree projects, sustainable travel initiatives, and environmentally minded facility upgrades.
The event featured presentations on:
Connecting Communities Through Nature
- Emily Taylor (Keep NI Beautiful)
- Andy Griggs (Newmills Community Garden/Brackaville Owen Roes GAC)
Water Management and Conservation in GAA Clubs
- Pat McAuley (NI Water)
Alongside the presentations, a club panel including St Peter’s Lurgan, Augher St Macartan’s, and Derrylin O’Connell’s shared first-hand experiences of delivering Green Club initiatives at grassroots level.
Ulster GAA extended its thanks to the Green Club support team, Jimmy D’Arcy, Mide Ní Shúilleabháin, under the chairmanship of Pádraig Fallon, for their guidance and commitment.
Attendees also heard about the growing impact of The National Lottery Community Fund (supported Sporting Nature programme), now working with 32 clubs across the Province. Delivered with partners RSPB NI and NI Water, Sporting Nature supports clubs to enhance biodiversity and protect local water sources through nature-friendly actions.
Declan Woods concluded:
“Sporting Nature is a fantastic new opportunity for clubs. Not only is it helping create wildlife-friendly and biodiverse club grounds, but it is also generating invaluable learning that we can share right across Ulster. We are delighted to work with The National Lottery Community Fund, RSPB NI and NI Water to deliver this important work.”
Representatives from partner organisations participated in workshops and engaged with club members throughout the day, reinforcing the collaborative effort at the heart of both Green Club and Sporting Nature.
The event concluded with a call for clubs to continue sharing their successes and inspiring others across the province to join in this collective effort to protect and enhance the environment.
For more information on Ulster GAA’s sustainability programmes, please contact fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie
By Michael Devlin Wed 28th Jan
