GAA has a vital role in our community – Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has highlighted the important role played by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in schools and the wider community.

Minister Ruane welcomed GAA delegates to Stormont and said: "The Recent Hillsborough Agreement has set the scene for a new era of politics in Ireland. It will allow us to focus on the many important issues facing our society. We are building a more inclusive society and need to widen the decision-making process to involve many more partners.

"The GAA is one of the most important of these partners. The GAA plays a crucial role in the sporting, educational, cultural and economic life of our community. It provides our young people with an interest in sport, with an enthusiasm for their Gaelic culture, a sense of purpose and national identity.

"Sport can have a major and positive impact on children and young people in our schools. An early interest in sport can help set the foundations on which to build for active and healthy lives in the future.

"That is why I initiated the Curriculum Sports Programme for primary schools. The programme has been supported by both the GAA and IFA and we currently have a total of 62 coaches delivering the programme to over 33,000 children in 590 schools.

"I would pay particular tribute to those from the GAA who right from the start, saw the value in this programme and enthusiastically supported it. Through their coaching sessions, both in schools and in clubhouses, the GAA touches the lives of many thousands of young people, identifying and building on their skills."

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.