Registered
- Charity no. 110682
- Date registered. 06/01/2026
Public benefits
What are the direct benefits flowing from your organisation’s purposes? It’s an opportunity for men to reconnect and to enjoy the craic that was such an important part of being part of a team in their younger days – it is a key cog in their mental wellbeing as these men represent a community that can sometimes feel isolated once their playing days
have come to an end. It’s also a great way to exercise and maintain a healthy level of fitness with regular training and matches. We will have a social component where our team members can meet up off the pitch where they again get the opportunity to be part of a sporting community with similar interests thereby improving mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation. How can the benefits identified above be demonstrated? By creating an environment to support men above the age of 40 we improve both physical and mental health, which is demonstrated through increasing membership numbers, with over 40 men already having expressed an interest in being part of this initiative, and through the improved health and wellbeing of members. Is there any harm arising from any of the purposes? No Who are the charity’s beneficiaries? Men aged 40 and over in the area of benefit who avail of the charity’s services, and the general public.
What your organisation does
With an emphasis on the social interaction and enjoyment that only team sports can provide, GAA for Dads & Lads is about keeping fun and participation to the fore of hurling and football. Aimed at males age 40ish and older regardless of experience the games allow incidental contact only (to minimise risk of injury) so skills are to the fore over
physicality. So regardless of whether you are a retired great, a lapsed player looking to reconnect with the game you once loved, or completely new to Gaelic games and looking to try your hand at a bit of hurling or football, there is something there for all those who take part. With no local GAA clubs participating in the programme two former players took it upon themselves to set up a club and we have over 40 men who have expressed an interest in being part of this initiative. These range in age from late 30’s up to late 50’s and come from the Glenavy, Crumlin and Aghagallon areas of County Antrim. Regular training sessions have started and we have already joined a league, played several matches and taken part in a charity tournament. The charity also organises social activities for all members to create a social and inclusive environment to reduce isolation.
The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
- The advancement of amateur sport
Who the charity helps
- General public
- General public
- Older people
How the charity works
- Sport/recreation