GAA Gaelfast primary school scheme promoting exercise across Co Antrim

A new GAA scheme to promote physical activity for primary school children in Belfast and Co Antrim is off and running.

Antrim GAA and St Mary’s University College have come together to develop a 5 Star Centre Pilot Project which aims to increase membership levels in GAA clubs across Ireland.

The project will involve 16 primary schools across Belfast, North and South West Antrim.

At the launch of the initiative, Dr Paul Donnelly, Gaelfast Director said: "Out the other end I am hoping what we will be able to do is to evaluate what was good, what was bad, what needs to be improved in relation to the pilot with a view to rolling that 5 Star Centre out more broadly in Belfast.

"We [Antrim] are sleeping giants and I think with the Gaelfast initiative it will be used, I believe, as a catalyst for changing things for the better in Belfast and in Antrim GAA. One of the Irish terms used today was le chéile which means together.

"The only way we are going to be successful as a county in terms of improving gaelic games within Belfast and within Antrim is together, le chéile.

"Croke Park is the major investor in the Gaelfast initiative and it's only one part of the overall Antrim games development plan, and its a very important part.

"I think it is all very positive for now but it is only the first step on the ladder so we have a long way to go. The future is bright, the future is Saffron."

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, told Belfast Live: “Over the past five years Belfast City Council has invested in multi-sport playing pitches across the city and has partnered with the GAA to develop facilities at Cherryvale, Cliftonville and Woodlands Playing Fields.

“The Gaelfast Initiative provides a path for children and young people to progress in Gaelic games from schools to club level, and is a great example of how we are striving to meet the goals set out in the Belfast Agenda – to encourage more participation in sport and create active, healthy communities.

“I am delighted that Council has agreed to provide £50,000 to support Gaelfast through the Stadium Community Benefits Initiatives and supporting the booking arrangements for the ‘Gaelfast hubs’, ensuring the facilities we have built will be used by local communities.”

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