Social Games & Physical Activity

If you take one thing from this section, let it be that simple message.

It is recommended by the World Health Organisation that children and young people (aged 2-18) should be active moderate to vigorous level, for at least 60 minutes every day. This should include muscle-strengthening, flexibility and bone-strengthening exercises 3 times a week.

Adults (aged 18 – 64) should be active for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity on 5 days a week (or 150 minutes a week).

Older people (aged 65+) should be active for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity on 5 days a week, or 150 minutes a week with a focus on aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and balance.

People with disabilities should be as active as their ability allows and should aim to meet adult guidelines of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on 5 days a week.

While GAA clubs and coaches assist countless people in achieving their recommended physical activity levels through training for and playing our games we can always do more to help those who are less physically active. This section gives is some ideas how you and your club can get all our members up, out and feeling better.

‘GAA for Dads & Lads’ is a social hurling and football programme for those keen to enjoy Gaelic Games outside the traditional competitive structures of the GAA.

With an emphasis on the social interaction and enjoyment that only team sports can provide, GAA for Dads & Lads is about keeping fun and participation to the fore of hurling football. Aimed at males age 40ish and older regardless of experience the games allow incidental contact only (to minimise risk of injury) so skills are to the fore over physicality. So regardless of whether you are a retired great, a lapsed player looking to reconnect with the game you once loved, or completely new to Gaelic games and looking to try your hand at a bit of hurling or football, ‘GAA for Dads & Lads’ could be for you.

If you think there is an appetite for social hurling or football group in your club or county and would like more information and/or to register a GAA Dads & Lads team, click on the link below to the Dads & Lads section of the GAA Learning site:

GAA Learning – Dads & Lads

Participation in GAA Dads & Lads is not covered by the GAA Injury Benefit Fund. Risk is an inherent factor in sport, as in life. When members voluntarily take part in Club activities particularly playing activities in contact sports, they accept the risks that such participation may bring. Each player needs to ensure that they have adequate cover in place to meet their own individual needs and personal circumstances in the event of accidental injury. Clubs should complete a games planning check in advance of taking part and ensure that all members are registered with the GAA.

Social Gaelic Games provide a sporting outlet for individuals who wish to explore or reignite their love of Gaelic Games. The aim is to;

Offer a fun, healthy, social outlet for recently retired, lapsed or new entrants to our games
Connect or re-connect people with their local GAA club, their community, and the inimitable fun of playing a game you love with some friends
Ensure as many people as possible experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being part of the Social Gaelic Games’ movement
Social Gaelic Games also aim to provide a pathway for players from youth to adult through a more non-competitive, less structured form of activities, with a focus on fun, participation and lifelong engagement with Gaelic Games. Social Games should help to retain members regularly lost during transition periods of their lives and hopefully engage those that may not have had the opportunity, time, or inclination to play in our more competitive structures.

The games offer opportunities for play across all ages, genders and all codes. Fun, fair play and participation underpin all Social Games activities

Read more about Social Hurling here

The ever popular ‘Ireland Lights Up’ and Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ‘Every Step Counts’ Challenge returns to GAA clubs in January 2025 in partnership with Get Ireland Walking.

With almost 1,000 clubs involved and over 40,000 weekly participants in the Steps Challenge on Irish Life’s MyLife app in 2024, they have grown to be the biggest walking initiatives in Ireland.

To fill the void of Operation Transformation departing from our televisions, the GAA is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with the recently launched 40-Day Health Challenge. This nationwide digital health and wellbeing campaign is brought to you by the makers of Operation Transformation and will run from January 6th to February 14th online.

Lots of familiar faces will be involved, with personal trainer Karl Henry, GP Dr Sumi Dunne, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy and dietician Sophie Pratt, guiding the nation and a group of specially selected challengers through the 40-day challenge.

The aim is to inspire and encourage individuals, families, and communities across Ireland to embrace healthier lifestyles, get active, and improve their overall physical and mental well-being while taking part in ‘Ireland Lights Up’ and the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge.

As was the case during Operation Transformation, each week, a club participating in Ireland Lights Up will get a visit from the camera crew to showcase on the 40 Day Health Challenge how they are supporting the health and wellbeing of their members and community.