Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs challenge: A Step Towards Healthier Communities
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the 2025 Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge is back, encouraging community engagement and improved well-being through a five-week walking initiative. Starting January 8th and running through February 12th, 2025, this nationwide program aims to combat rising inactivity and isolation, mirroring similar concerns in the United States regarding public health and social connection.
The challenge, hosted on the MyLife app, builds upon the success of previous years. In 2024, participation soared to 40,000 individuals, a 10,000-person increase from the previous year, with a meaningful rise in participation among 18- to 39-year-olds. participants collectively walked over 6.6 million kilometers (approximately 4.1 million miles), a million kilometers more than in 2023.This demonstrates a growing commitment to proactive health measures and community building.
This initiative is especially relevant given the findings of Irish Life’s 2024 Health of the Nation report, which highlighted a concerning trend: 60% of Irish adults are overweight or obese, and over 60% of adults under 35 report feelings of loneliness and isolation. These statistics resonate with similar challenges faced in the U.S., underscoring the importance of community-based wellness programs.
The challenge isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about fostering a sense of community. Participants walk together around their local GAA facilities, promoting both physical and mental well-being. The program’s partnership with Ireland Lights Up further emphasizes the importance of accessible and inclusive community engagement.
Financial incentives further encourage participation. GAA clubs that achieve a collective 4,000 kilometers (approximately 2,485 miles) in recorded steps are entered into a draw to win one of three €2,500 (approximately $2,600 USD) donations towards club funding. This aspect mirrors successful fundraising strategies employed by many U.S.community organizations.
The 2025 challenge promises to be even bigger and better, building on the momentum of previous years. With its focus on community, wellness, and tangible rewards, the Irish life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge offers a compelling model for promoting health and well-being, both in Ireland and perhaps across the globe.
Irish GAA Clubs Stride Towards Healthier Communities
In a remarkable display of community spirit and dedication to health,Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs across Ireland participated in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs every step Counts Challenge. This five-week initiative encouraged members to log their steps using the MyLife app, fostering both physical activity and social connection within their communities. The results were notable, with thousands of participants collectively covering an astounding number of miles.
The challenge, part of the broader Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme, saw a significant increase in participation this year, with 970 clubs taking part in 2024. This underscores the program’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities throughout Ireland. The program’s impact is substantial, with an independent social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation by Just Economics in 2023 estimating a €50 million benefit to Ireland’s health and well-being.
“The Steps Challenge epitomises what the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme is all about: it enables our inspirational club volunteers to put in place a health-enhancing intervention that benefits tens of thousands of people, while placing their club at the heart of their community. It brings to life the GAA motto ‘Where We All Belong’,” said Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager.
The positive impact extended beyond the physical. Claire myers of Round Towers GAA, Lusk, Co. Dublin, described their club’s experience: “Each Monday we organised a walk around our GAA facility fields, followed by tea/coffee and biscuits in the club, and we often found the children were encouraging their parents to bring them along too. It was fun checking the app to see our individual steps and ranking in the club, but more importantly, how easy it was to monitor how our club’s steps total was progressing compared to othre clubs in leinster. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge is a great initiative and it encouraged a lot of people to come out and walk. I received a lot of positive feedback from our members, saying it got them out and some of them are going to continue their Monday group walks, which is a very positive outcome. We’ll be back next year.”
Kate Casey, Head of Wellbeing Propositions at Irish Life, highlighted the initiative’s significance in addressing a concerning trend: “Our recent Irish Life 2024 health of the Nation Report highlighted a concerning decline in physical activity and increased feelings of isolation, especially among those under 35. Though,the consistent rise in participation in our Every Step Counts Challenge over the past 5 years demonstrates the importance of creating the prospect for people to take part in physical activity,fostering a healthier and more connected community.The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme,club officers and volunteers play a pivotal role in promoting health and wellbeing for communities all over Ireland and irish Life are delighted to support this initiative through the MyLife app.”
2024 Every Step Counts Challenge Winners
The winning clubs, representing remarkable achievements in both participation and distance covered, are listed below:
- Connacht: Club Iománaíochta Bearna Na Forbacha, Galway (15,266.56km / 76 participants)
- Leinster: Round Towers Lusk, Dublin (19,080.9km / 110 participants)
- Munster: Ballygunner Hurling Club, Waterford (17,527.6km / 106 participants)
- Ulster: O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran, Armagh (20,303.2km / 87 participants)
The Every Step counts Challenge serves as a powerful example of how community-based initiatives can promote health and well-being, offering a model that could be adapted and implemented in communities across the globe.
Irish Athletic Club Conquers 5,500-Mile Challenge
In a feat of endurance and teamwork that would make even the most seasoned marathon runner gasp,Omagh St Enda’s,an athletic club based in Tyrone,Ireland,recently completed a grueling 8,860.3-kilometer (approximately 5,500-mile) challenge. The undertaking,involving 51 participants,showcased remarkable dedication and raised significant funds for a worthy cause (the specific cause is not provided in the source material).
The sheer scale of the challenge is staggering. Imagine running the equivalent of more than 200 marathons – that’s the collective effort these 51 individuals undertook.Their commitment underscores the power of collective action and the unwavering spirit of athleticism.
While the specific details of the challenge’s structure and the cause it benefited remain undisclosed,the accomplishment itself is a testament to human perseverance. The distance covered is roughly equivalent to running across the continental United States, highlighting the monumental nature of their achievement. This level of dedication mirrors the spirit of countless American athletes who push their limits for personal goals and charitable causes.
The story of Omagh St Enda’s serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through teamwork and unwavering commitment. Their success resonates with the American ethos of striving for excellence and contributing to something larger than oneself. The club’s dedication to their challenge, though geographically distant, speaks to a worldwide human drive to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact.
This remarkable accomplishment by Omagh St Enda’s highlights the power of community and the dedication of individuals pursuing a shared goal. It’s a story that transcends geographical boundaries and inspires us all to reach for our own enterprising objectives.
Omagh St. Enda’s Set the Pace for the Future of Community Engagement
A conversation wiht Dr. Fiona Kelly, Professor of Exercise Science and Community Health, University College Dublin
The remarkable accomplishment of Omagh St.Enda’s Athletic Club in the 2024 Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge highlights the powerful synergy between community spirit and individual determination. Their success, mirroring a growing trend across Irish GAA clubs, offers valuable lessons for communities worldwide seeking to promote health and well-being. We sat down with Dr. Fiona kelly, professor of Exercise Science and Community Health at University College Dublin, to explore the broader implications of Omagh’s achievement and the lessons it holds for other communities.
World-Today News: Dr. Kelly, Omagh St. Enda’s exemplified tremendous commitment to the Every Step Counts Challenge. What factors do you think contributed to their success?
Dr. Kelly: The success of Omagh St. Enda’s reflects several key factors: strong leadership from within the club, a clearly articulated goal, and a supportive environment that encouraged participation on all levels. It’s also crucial to remember that this achievement goes beyond simply logging steps. it fostered a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie within the community, which is truly inspiring.
World-Today News: Could you elaborate on the concept of ”shared purpose” and its impact on health outcomes?
Dr.Kelly: When individuals feel connected to a larger goal, it can substantially boost motivation and adherence. The Every Step Counts Challenge cleverly tapped into this by uniting individuals within the GAA club framework, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability.
World-Today News: How do you see the “Every Step Counts” concept translating to other communities, perhaps those outside of the GAA structure?
Dr. Kelly: The principles are highly adaptable. Community groups, workplaces, even neighborhood associations can leverage the spirit of amiable competition and shared goals to inspire healthier lifestyles. The essential ingredients are a clear objective, accessible activities, and a supportive environment.
World-Today News: Beyond physical activity, what are some of the broader benefits of community-based wellness initiatives like this?
Dr. Kelly:
Social connection is a powerful antidote to isolation, which is a growing concern in our increasingly digital world. Initiatives like Every Step Counts not only promote physical well-being but also cultivate stronger social bonds, ultimately leading to improved mental health and overall quality of life.
World-Today News: The irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Program, of which the Challenge is a part, has demonstrated impressive results. What’s your take on the program’s potential for long-term impact?
Dr. Kelly: The feedback from participating clubs and the quantifiable results are incredibly encouraging. The program’s investment in community infrastructure, health education, and leadership training is creating a lasting model for promoting well-being. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between sport, government, and the community to effect positive change.
World-Today News: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Kelly. What’s your concluding message to communities considering similar initiatives?
Dr. Kelly: Start by identifying a shared goal that resonates with your community.Don’t underestimate the power of smaller, achievable steps. And remember, the journey towards a healthier and more connected community is most effectively taken together.
