Minister praises GAA work in the community

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has praised the work and commitment of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) for their community and education initiatives.

The Minister made the closing remarks at the GAA's annual Club and Community Development Conference in the Europa Hotel today. Speaking at the event, the Minister said: "The GAA is an organisation which not only inspires and motivates people to take part in sports, but also to tackle wider social issues and volunteer in the community. A major part of all volunteering in Ireland comes from the GAA and that is something to be congratulated.

"Within the North we run the Curriculum Sports Programme which provides GAA and IFA coaches in primary schools. We now have 28 IFA and 32 GAA coaches working in over 400 primary schools with pupils aged four to eight. The coaches work closely with teachers so the programme supports the curriculum and provides a fun and exciting way for children to be more active and learn basic physical literacy skills.”

The Minister continued: "This conference highlights the invaluable and extensive work the GAA does across the sporting community and for people at grassroots level. The GAA works hard to address the issues of community development and cohesion and strives to get as many young people involved in sport as possible. I am delighted to be able to close this conference and wish the organisation and its members success in the future."

Notes to Editor

1. The Curriculum Sports Programme aims to develop pupils' physical literacy skills and to support teachers in developing their confidence in delivering the PE curriculum.

2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.