Five Donegal GAA clubs have received new Health & Wellbeing Communication Boards as part of a community initiative aimed at improving awareness of mental health supports and making vital helpline information more accessible within local communities.
The initiative, led by Mental Health Ireland in conjunction with the Donegal GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee, HSE Health Promotion and Donegal Sports Partnership and was funded by Connecting for Life Donegal.
The official launch took place on Monday, 12 October 2026, in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey, as part of activities marking World Mental Health Day 2026.
The five clubs selected to receive the boards were Seán Mac Cumhaills, Burt, Glenties, Four Masters and Glenswilly.
The communication boards will be displayed in prominent locations within the participating clubs, providing easy access to key national helpline numbers, including services offering 24-hour support. Each board also features a QR code linking to a wider range of local health and wellbeing services and community supports.
Speaking at the launch, Cora Harvey, Chairperson of Donegal GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the contribution of Mental Health Ireland and Connecting for Life Donegal.
“Our GAA clubs are much more than places where sport is played. They are at the heart of our communities, bringing people together and providing a sense of connection and belonging.
These communication boards are a simple but very practical resource, providing club members, volunteers and families with access to important helpline numbers and local supports.
We don’t expect our coaches, club officers or volunteers to have all the answers, but we can help ensure they know where to signpost someone who may need support.
I want to sincerely thank Mental Health Ireland for driving this initiative, Connecting for Life Donegal for funding it, and our partner organisations for their continued commitment to community health and wellbeing.”
Ms Harvey also confirmed that a further five Donegal GAA clubs will be selected in due course to receive Health & Wellbeing Communication Boards, extending the initiative across the county.
Bill Vaughan, Mental Health Ireland, thanked Ciara Wray and all in Connecting for Life Donegal for supporting the project and highlighted the importance of making information about available services visible and accessible within communities.
“This initiative is about improving communication, raising awareness and ensuring that people know where to turn when they or someone close to them needs support.
As we mark World Mental Health Day 2026, it is particularly fitting to see GAA clubs taking an active role in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
We are very grateful to Connecting for Life Donegal for funding these boards and to the Donegal GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee and HSE Health Promotion for their partnership in bringing the initiative forward.”
Mr Vaughan also thanked representatives from the five participating clubs for attending the launch and for their commitment to promoting health and wellbeing within their clubs and wider communities.
The initiative reflects the growing role of GAA clubs in supporting community wellbeing, encouraging conversations about mental health and helping individuals and families access appropriate services.
The central message of the initiative is simple: GAA volunteers do not need to have all the answers, but knowing where to direct someone for help can make a meaningful difference.
The Health & Wellbeing Communication Boards will now be installed in the five participating clubs, with further rollout planned.
