Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns is pictured with from left, Men’s Development Network: Managing Director Kenny Doyle, Chairperson Rose Hearne, White Ribbon Accreditation Officer Daniela Monday, CEO Seán Cooke, Secretary John Brophy and Programme Coordinator Frederick Okokgu at the GAA Official Charity Partners 2025 launch at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is proud to announce its official charity partners for the 2025 season. Each year the GAA selects four charities following an application process, which this year saw over 50 registered charities apply for the opportunity. Each official charity will receive €25,000 to assist with its ongoing projects and initiatives. In addition to financial support, the GAA will use its platform to support and promote each charity’s mission.
The charities selected for the 2025 partnership are:
- Finding Charlie’s Voice
- The Men’s Development Network
- Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann/Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE)
- The Dillon Quirke Foundation
Each of these charities plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of individuals and communities across Ireland. The official charity partnership with the GAA will not only provide critical funding but will also raise awareness of their incredible work, connecting GAA supporters with charitable causes that positively impact local communities.
An Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “The GAA is honoured to be associated with the work of these four exceptional charities. In their own way, each charity is working to help bring the GAA’s values to life, be that community identity, inclusion, respect, or player welfare, and we look forward to supporting that work over the next year.”
About the charity partners:
Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann / Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) primary objective is to support veterans of the Irish Defence Forces by the provision of accommodation to homeless veterans in its ‘Veterans’ Homes’ and the provision of other advice and support to veterans, in particular mental health advice, through its nationwide network of branches, veteran support centres, and veteran support officers.
Expressing gratitude for the partnership, ONE's National President, Michael Kinahan, commented: "Being selected as a GAA charity partner for 2025 is a profound honour. This collaboration offers a remarkable opportunity to elevate awareness and support for veterans of the Defence Forces who have selflessly served our nation. We are deeply thankful to the GAA and its members for their commitment to our cause."
Finding Charlie’s Voice (FCV) was founded to support children and young adults with speech and language communication needs in Ireland. FCV’s mission is to ensure that no one is left behind because they cannot speak and/or understand. FCV’s vision is to ensure that every child or young adult with a speech and language communication need is afforded every opportunity to reach their highest communication potential. Above all else, the aim of FCV is to support children and young adults with the appropriate supports that they need.
Finding Charlie’s Voice CEO, Evelyn Bryne, said: “We are deeply honoured that Finding Charlie’s Voice has been selected as one of the four official charity partners of the GAA for 2025. Just as the GAA provides a platform where everyone belongs, we strive to give every child a voice and a way to be understood, accepting that all forms of communication are valid.
“Through our work, we have supported over 250,000 children in schools in every county in Ireland by providing low-tech augmentative and alternative communication boards in schools and have worked with local authorities, ensuring this work is replicated in our playgrounds, libraries, and our playing fields—ensuring that those who need support with understanding or being understood are given an opportunity to connect, participate, and be heard.
“Together, we champion a future where everyone has a place and a voice, remembering that just because you may not speak, does not mean that you have nothing to say.''
The Dillon Quirke Foundation was established by Dillon’s family – his parents, Dan and Hazel, and his sisters, Shannon and Kellie – with the aim of funding widespread cardiac screening for young people (aged 12-18) involved in sport. Dillon’s family wants to prevent other families from going through what they have experienced and, in the process, save lives.
Dan Quirke, father of the late DiIlon Quirke, said: “Thank you to the GAA for this powerful partnership; together we can save the lives of young athletes. Sudden Adult Death takes on average 100 young lives each year in Ireland; our aim is to save many of those lives through cardiac screening and stop the needless tragedy and heartache for families. We hope this partnership will help spread awareness to young athletes and their parents about the importance of cardiac screening.”
The Men’s Development Network is focused on being leaders in promoting change and equality within society. This work is carried out through our funded projects, including White Ribbon Campaign Ireland, Men’s Development Programme, Men’s Health Programme, Mend Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, Men’s Advice Line, and Men’s Counselling Service. The Men’s Development Network has also influenced policy on men’s issues at local, regional, national, and international levels and has a good record in multi-agency work and engagement. It operates under the mission statement: ‘Better Lives for Men, Better Lives for All.’
CEO Sean Cook said: “On behalf of the board of the Men’s Development Network, we are delighted to be named as a charity partner with the GAA for 2025 and also congratulate our fellow recipients. This opportunity to continue building on our relationship with the GAA and creating innovative pathways for men and women to be their most authentic selves is both exciting and exhilarating; we are really looking forward to the year ahead.”