by Ciaran Flynn

Like many clubs and organisations around the country, GAA clubs in County Meath have responded magnificently and generously to the call for help in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.

In order to have a coordinated response, the Government established Community Response Forums in each county, on which all of the main voluntary organisations, including the GAA are represented.

Each organisation, including GAA Clubs were asked to (i) register with their County Community Response Forum; and (ii) focus their activities on the designated tasks as set out by the Forum. The GAA-designated tasks are:

- The collection and delivery of food, essential household items, fuel and medication - in line with HSE guidance; and 

- The delivery of meals to those in need.

In a separate development SuperValu/Centra established a partnership with the GAA aimed at assisting Ireland’s elderly and the most vulnerable in our communities. The partnership involved GAA clubs working with their local SuperValu/Centra shops to assist in the delivery of essential food and fuel items, as well as monitoring the health and wellbeing of those they visit.

Practically every GAA club in the county has signed up for this partnership and while experiences differed from community to community, the sum of the effort has been a very positive contribution in alleviating some of the difficulties caused by the pandemic. In certain communities the level of volunteerism far outweighed the requirements from the supermarkets while in others, club players were calling on houses on a weekly basis to check needs and wellbeing.

While the current Meath COVID 19 Community Response Register identifies some 45 GAA clubs that have registered, the Meath Health & Wellbeing Committee is aware that many more GAA clubs, involving well over 1,000 volunteers, have been actively involved in the voluntary activities. 

In addition to the SuperValu/Centra project, clubs in Meath are also participating in Meals on Wheels projects as well as delivery of medicines to people in their communities. 

There are also many examples of where players and club members have undertaken activities (some quite strenuous) to raise money for projects like Pieta House; the Irish Cancer Society and other very worthy causes.

Club managers and players are also helping our male and female players, particularly underage players, to both keep active and ease any mental anxieties that may be building up by organising coaching videos on Facebook and on other social media outlets.

County Chairman John Kavanagh who said recently “We now see that the GAA is much more than an organisation that just cares about sport” is introducing a new initiative whereby County players will make contact with elderly Meath supporters who would appreciate such a conversation.

Meath Health & Wellbeing Chairman Andy Fahy in complementing all of the clubs, particularly their Healthy Club Officers, said “Meath GAA can be immensely proud of what clubs are doing for their communities and I am encouraging them to keep up the good work in helping those who need assistance at this difficult time.”

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