 The President of the GAA, Criostóir Ó Cuana and the President of the IFA, John Bryan addressed a unique joint seminar today (2nd March 2011) in Croke Park. The seminar brings together two of Ireland’s leading voluntary organisations to tackle social isolation particularly in rural areas. Following the successful piloting of the ‘GAA Social Initiative’ in Mayo, Fermanagh, Kerry and Wexford in 2009, the Initiative was relaunched in October 2010 as a club-based, island-wide project. Today’s seminar covered how to expand the GAA Social Initiative and develop the integration of IFA volunteers into the Initiative structure. Among those attending today’s seminar were members of the IFA who have long-established links with the GAA. They will be developing mutually-beneficial relationships with GAA clubs in their respective areas through the IFA branch network in the drive to expand the Initiative. IFA President John Bryan welcomed former IFA officers to the seminar. He said, “The experience of the voluntary officers from the two organisations will be invaluable in driving the Social Initiative and building on the success that has been achieved in the last two years.” Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana said: “The GAA Social Initiative is being successfully implemented at present by 93 clubs. The social activities that have been organised by the clubs have been well received and much appreciated by the participants in the Initiative and we are greatly encouraged by the impact they are making on their lives and on the community in general. “ “The GAA is delighted to form this partnership with the IFA and make the most of the volunteer ethos that is the hallmark of both organisations,” he added. |
Thursday, 03 March 2011 16:16