Some of those involved in the Rosemount GAA Social Initiative’ project, with local elected representatives and officials from the county council.

Rosemount GAA on list for Age Friendly award

Rosemount GAA has been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Active and Healthy Ageing Award at the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

The 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 is on November 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, hosted by Fingal council.

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 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 saw 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.

“We are developing additional activities that could further encourage the participation of senior citizens leading to better mental health and wellbeing through their involvement with our project. It could be a template to spearhead other groups nationally providing similar supports to address social exclusion for senior citizens elsewhere.”

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.

These initiatives stand out not only for their immediate impact and for their potential to be replicated across the country.”

The 2024 National Age Friendly Awards include eight categories, aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme: 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 include 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.