Local GAA club shortlisted for national Age Friendly award
A local GAA club has been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Active & Healthy Ageing Award at the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.
Rosemount GAA Club's innovative ‘Rosemount GAA Social Initiative’ Project, has been chosen as one of the finalists "for its exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older", according to Friendly Ireland. The projects shortlisted exemplify best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country.
Curated by Age Friendly Ireland, the annual awards celebrate individuals, organisations, and agencies nationwide that are spearheading initiatives to improve the lives of older adults in Ireland. The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin, hosted by Fingal County Council.
Commenting on the nomination, Rosemount GAA said: “Rosemount GAA Social Initiative in tackling social exclusion facilitates the participation of older members of our society, through social activities and events specifically designed to enrich their lives and respect the important contribution they have made and can continue to make to community life. By maximising the autonomy, capacity and engagement of older people as well as building intergenerational solidarity in rural communities is key to tackling social exclusion.
"Westmeath County Council seen clear evidence of our work with senior citizens, which was acknowledged when presenting us with the 2024 Cathaoirleach award giving further encouragement for our participation in this National event.
"Developing some additional activities that could further encourage senior citizens’ participation leading to better mental health and wellbeing through their involvement with our Social initiative project. This project could be a template to spearhead other groups nationally providing similar supports to address social exclusion for senior citizens elsewhere.”
Speaking on the annual awards, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said: "The shortlisted projects represent the gold standard of innovation and dedication, showcasing how communities are coming together to improve the quality of life for older adults across Ireland. These initiatives stand out not only for their immediate impact but also for their potential to be replicated across the country."
The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing.
Previous winners of the National Age Friendly Awards have included initiatives such as Healthy Islands, Specsavers, and the Dublin City Council Central Area Office. For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.