The GAA Community and Health Department is delighted to announce the return of the Smoke and Vape Free Clubs initiative, thanks to generous funding from Healthy Ireland and the Tomar Trust.

The initiative provides outdoor and pitch-side signage designed to inform patrons that a club executive has implemented a Smoke and Vape Free policy for their club grounds. 60% of the 450 clubs engaged in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme have already adopted the GAA Smoke and Vape Free Club Policy.

The funding from Healthy Ireland (covering clubs in the Republic of Ireland) and the Tomar Trust (covering clubs in the North) will allow for the provision of signage to approximately 80 clubs. Clubs participating in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme will be prioritised however the wider club network is also encouraged to apply (and will be considered if the funding pot available allows.) County grounds are also encouraged to apply through their respective County Health & Wellbeing Committees.

This policy aims to:

• protect the health of club members, visitors, and the wider community by minimising their exposure all tobacco related harm, including second-hand smoke

• encourage people who smoke to consider quitting (while signposting to support services)

• reduce the initiation of smoking/vaping among young people

• minimise tobacco and electronic cigarette related litter

Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy, said: “We’re very grateful to Healthy Ireland and the Tomar Trust for their continued support and I encourage all clubs and county grounds that have yet to adopt a smoke- and vape -free policy to apply for this funding opportunity.”

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, T.D., said: “The GAA is at the heart of communities throughout Ireland and is uniquely placed to encourage and promote health and wellbeing. Creating smoke free environments is a key priority in our road map to achieving a Tobacco Free Ireland. Government will continue to support the GAA and important initiatives like this which play an important part in delivering just that.”

How to get involved:

• Step 1: Review and download the GAA Smoke & Vape free policy, step by step guide and presentation via www.gaa.ie/smokefreeclubs

• Step 2: Discuss with your Club Executive. The decision to become a smoke & vape free club must be discussed and agreed at management level. Before you sign up, please ensure you have their commitment

• Step 3: Sign up HERE before June 28th (the form may close in advance if the quota is met and applying does not guarantee your application will be successful as funding is limited for 2023. Approximately 80 clubs will be funded)

• Successful clubs must adopt the Smoke & Vape free policy before 31 Dec 2023 and will be required to upload pictures on social media tagging our funding partners (info will be provided).

For further information, please contact Brid O’ Dwyer, GAA National Healthy Club Coordinator brid.odwyer@gaa.ie

Anyone who is thinking about quitting can get free support from the HSE Quit Team at ‪1800 201 203 or https://www2.hse.ie/quit-smoking or Stop Smoking NI in the six counties https://www.stopsmokingni.info

For more information on the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club programme visit https://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/community-and-health/healthy-club/