Gaelic games continue to enjoy huge popularity in Ireland with 73% of families devoting more than 10 hours per month to GAA sports, according to a survey* commissioned by Kellogg’s to celebrate the launch of the 2014 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps.
The importance of Gaelic games among Irish families is reaffirmed by the fact that 23% of parents surveyed say that they have been involved in GAA ‘all my life’, with 24% actively participating in Gaelic games for more than ten years.
When the same question was asked to a selection of GAA members and supporters with families**, 68% of these highly engaged supporters said that they have been involved in GAA all their lives. A massive 81% of the same group of respondents also said that the GAA is ‘very important’ to their family.
It is clear that GAA plays a central role in the heart of Irish communities* , with 91% agreeing that the GAA contributes to a sense of community for many. 88% of those surveyed also agreed that volunteers are the backbone of GAA clubs around the country. This belief is further backed up by the fact that 22% of Irish parents offer 10 hours or more per month volunteering their time at their local GAA club.
Speaking at the launch of the 2014 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, GAA President, Liam O'Neill said: “The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps have always been an important part of community life in Ireland, teaching children important skills, encouraging friendships and improving physical wellbeing. With over 82,000 children attending the camps in 2013, we are delighted to know that the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps continue to be as popular as ever amongst families in Ireland.”
Speaking at the launch, Kellogg’s Managing Director, Jim McNeill said:
“At Kellogg’s we are committed to partnerships which support communities, enhance skills and deliver value for money for hard pressed consumers. We are delighted that our support of the GAA Cúl Camps has encouraged greater participation and we are committed to continuing this support in 2014, so that more Irish families can enjoy the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp experience.”
Each child booked in to a Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp in 2014 will receive a free GAA kit and back pack in county colours. Parents can log on to www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps to book their child’s place now.
Speaking at the launch, Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps Champion, Rory O’Carroll added:
“I am delighted to get involved with the Cúl Camps programme again this year. I have mentored and coached at camps in my own club, Kilmacud Crokes, and I have seen how children’s skills can dramatically improve with expert coaching delivered in a safe and fun atmosphere.”
Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps provide boys and girls – between the ages of 6 and 13 – with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity which revolves around maximising enjoyment and learning the skills of Gaelic Games. The camps are structured so that a different aspect of the game is worked on each day and children can put into practice what they have learned. Over one thousand camps will take place in communities all over Ireland during July and August with 2,100 voluntary coaches giving over 30,000 hours of coaching to young children.
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp Champions, Rory O’Carroll, Benny Coulter, Orla Cotter, Cora Staunton and Pádraic ‘Podge’ Collins attended the launch in Croke Park.
* Survey of 530 Irish parents with children aged 6-13 years, carried out by Empathy Research, April 2014.
** Survey of approx. 100 GAA parents, with children, carried out by GAA, April 2014.
Additional stats from Empathy Research:
26% of the parents surveyed said that they regularly fundraise for their local club, with an additional 26% actively participating in club events and 19% offering their time as coaches for their local GAA club
51% of families agree that GAA is an important part of their family life
75% agree that Gaelic games attract people from all walks of life
***
*Pictured Orla Cotter, Cork, Podge Collins, Clare and Benny Coulter, Down at the launch of the GAA Kelloggs Cul Camps
