Gaelic games great for young people’s health and fitness - Ruane

Participation in Gaelic games is a great way for children to keep fit and lead a healthy lifestyle.

That was the message from Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, as she praised Ulster and Down GAA for their youth coaching structures.

Speaking, as she visited St Patrick’s Primary School in Newry, the Minister said: “Gaelic games offer a wide range of opportunities for young people to be active, take part in team sports and have fun. Exercise like this also helps children meet new friends and perform better at school by improving concentration.

“The GAA, both in Down and right across Ulster, plays a major role in encouraging children to get involved in sport, not only through the many local clubs, but also through its involvement in my Department’s primary schools’ sports programme along with the Irish Football Association.

“The initiative has enabled over 60 coaches to bring sport directly into almost 600 primary schools across the north and has been a great success thanks to the commitment and buy-in of the GAA and IFA.”

The Minister added: “St Patrick’s Primary School is one of many schools in the county to hold a red-and-black day as they show their support for Down’s senior football team ahead of the All-Ireland football final with Cork. I would like to wish both the Down senior team and the Tyrone minors all the very best of luck.”

Notes to Editors:

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.