Belfast and Antrim GAA are sending 32 trainee teachers from St. Mary’s University into 16 primary schools to promote physical activity among boys and girls.

Part of the ‘Gaelfast’ regeneration plan, the establishment of 5-Star centres in these schools will deliver a programme of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous Gaelic Games activity per week.

32 teachers currently working in these schools will also be trained up so they can deliver the 5-Star centre model with confidence and enthusiasm.

Gaelfast Director and former Antrim hurler, Dr. Paul Donnelly, is hopeful this latest initiative will play an important role in reinvigoration of Gaelic Games in Belfast and Antrim as a whole.

“We are a sleeping giant and I think the Gaelfast initiative will be used as a catalyst for changing things for the better in Belfast and Antrim GAA,” said Donnelly.

“The only way we're going to be successful as a county in terms of improving Gaelic Games in Belfast and Antrim is by doing it together.

“Croke Park is the major investor in the Gaelfast initiative. It's only one part of the overall Antrim Games Development plan, but it's a very important part.

“It's all very positive for now, but it's only the first step on the ladder and we have a long way to go.

“Out the other end I hope what we'll be able to do is evaluate what was good, what was bad, what needs to be improved in relation to the pilot with a view to rolling the 5-star centres out more broadly in Belfast and Antrim as a whole.

“The future is bright, the future is saffron, and we'll be back competing in all codes in the next 10 to 15 years. We just need to be together and be behind what we're trying to do.”