Project Description

As many studies have shown, mental health is directly linked to physical health which can be improved by regular exercise. Unfortunately regular physical exercise can be difficult in our parts unless you are willing to face the infamous Irish weather and are not afraid to get cold and wet.

Indoor training and exercising facilities are an alternative but are however rare on the Loop Head Peninsula and most rural areas and generally not open to the wider public.

This project envisages a cooperation between Naomh Eoin GAA and all local development groups to develop the GAA gym facilities at the clubhouse in Cross and make them available to all members of the Loop Head communities.

An enlargement of the current facilities and additional equipment would make the gym suitable and very attractive to the public. A timetable could then be developed to see the gym being used by GAA members and non-GAA members at certain times of the day or certain days of the week.

Project Justification & Objectives

Ireland is known to have among the highest numbers of people suffering from mental health issues in Europe. Regular exercise is one action to improve mental health and making exercising facilities available to all members of a community is vital especially in rural and remote areas like the Loop Head Peninsula.

While a gym would be of benefit to everybody on the Loop Head Peninsula, it would be particularly attractive and welcome for the younger generation.

In addition to health and mental health benefits for the Loop Head communities this project could also create a business opportunity for a third party (e.g. guided training sessions), it could create another revenue stream for the GAA and/or the local development groups and might also create new GAA members.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Naomh Eoin GAA

• Kilballyowen Development

• CDA

• Querrin Pier Community Development Group

• Doonaha Development Group

• All Loop Head communities

• Loop Head Together

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!