Portarlington GAA recently elected a new Health & Wellbeing committee into our club, which is led by Darren Geoghegan.

The Wellbeing Committee has put a programme in place to provide support and guidance for our players, coaches, families and our greater community. Many different events will take place over the coming months such as “Port Transformation”, to promote a sense of belonging and guidance to all.

‘Darkness Into Light’ which took place on 7th May 2022 was a massive success, raising €2018.85, not including any online donations or registrations. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who took part on the morning.

Volunteers & stewards who helped make this event take place, our local fire brigade & Gardaí, and the generous donations from our local shops and businesses. Without our community, the event would not have been as successful as it was.

The main aim of this event was to bring our community together while raising awareness for our own wellbeing and remembering people special to us. We are already planning next year’s ‘Darkness Into Light’ in Portarlington, making it bigger and better.

We recently hosted a Gambling Awareness Talk on Friday 16th June 2022 which was live streamed via Facebook, still available to view on the ‘Portarlington GAA Club’ page. - https://www.facebook.com/portgaa

Two former players of the club opened their hearts and talked about their addiction to gambling, the struggles they endured and their path to recovery and how they have sustained it.

It was facilitated by Darren Geoghegan – Club Wellbeing Officer. A huge amount of positive feedback was received via views, comments, calls, text and chats. Gambling is still a taboo subject within our community, but unfortunately with easy access to mobile phones and game consoles at our finger tips, it is a silent monster. Portarlington GAA are in the process of providing a room on a weekly basis to provide GA – (Gamblers Anonymous) to Portarlington. - https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/

At present we are also beginning to give our club a makeover.

Named, 'Port Transformation', it will involve painting, cleaning, replacing fixtures and planting. We are uniting our players, coaches and committee to work as a team to make the club their own, to be proud of their club and bring a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the players, coaches & parents, on and off the playing field.

Many more events are planned and details will follow soon.

Portarlington GAA are proud to be a focal point within or community and we value our members.

We see the effects that covid has had on people, the pressure of the social media world and the vulnerability of all ages, many that are often hidden.

As a club we will try our best to help, support and direct anyone who may need guidance or help.

Our door is always open to all.