Football for ALL

Almost 150 players competed in the third annual M. Donnelly GAA Football for ALL Interprovincial Finals in September, delivered in partnership with Irish Special Schools Sports Council (ISSSC). The ISSSC is a voluntary organisation that provides sporting and cultural activities in special schools, as designated by the Department of Education and Science.

The tournament seen children with mild-general learning disabilities compete in a 9-a-side Gaelic Football tournament. The players represented the regions of Connacht, Dublin, Munster, North Leinster, South Leinster and Ulster and were drawn from 15 different special schools (see full list of schools below). Each squad comprised of 12 boys and 12 girls who were selected from regional trials to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. The GAA’s support for the M. Donnelly GAA Football for ALL Interprovincial Finals reflects the Association’s on-going commitment to engaging with special schools, as set out in the new GAA Strategic Plan, Fís Shoiléir 2018-2021.

The GAA’s support for the M. Donnelly GAA Football for ALL Interprovincial Finals illustrates the Associations unwavering commitment to inclusiveness. By participating in our games, we believe that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and develop their full potential.

For more information on the Irish special schools sport council please use link http://isssc.ie/gallery/