Mayo club best in Connacht in Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge
Pictured at Croke Park for the announcement of Irish Life’s renewal of its sponsorship of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme for 2026 were (from left): Stacey Machesney, head of health and wellbeing at Irish Life; Declan Bolger, CEO of Irish Life; Holly and Grace Daly from Castleknock GAA Club; Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ambassador; and Jarlath Burns, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. Photo: Sam Barnes | Sportsfile
Louisburgh GAA & LGFA was confirmed as the best performing Connacht based club in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge, accumulating 47,155.6km during a rain-soaked January.
Coming hot on their heels were near neighbours Westport GAA, while Ballymote Round Towers were the third best performing club in Connacht.
Nationwide, almost 39,000 participants braved the elements and clocked a record 6.9 million kilometres in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge in the first month of the year, despite what was one of the wettest Januarys on record.
A total of 38,709 people took part in the challenge during January, representing 1,090 active GAA clubs nationwide. Together, they not only battled the elements but surpassed expectations, with 594 clubs reaching or exceeding the ambitious 4,000km target for the month, marking the strongest showing since the introduction of the Steps Challenge.
The remarkable achievement highlights the resilience and determination of communities across the country, that refused to let persistent rain dampen their motivation.
The milestone comes after 90% of participants in the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs 2025 Steps Challenge reported feeling more connected to others after completing the programme. This highlights the prominent role of local clubs in fostering community connection, social inclusion and positive physical and mental wellbeing in communities nationwide.
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, commented: “There’s nothing that can’t be achieved when we pull together and work towards a common goal. The Irish Life GAA Healthy Steps challenge is a great example of this.
“The combined total of 6.9 million kilometres walked in what was one of the most difficult months in recent memory due to weather is a credit to all involved. However, it comes as no surprise to me, because like so many of the initiatives pursued by our Community and Health Department, this is about the GAA community representing the best of us, putting our clubs at the heart of the communities and the people that they represent.
“I want to congratulate all involved and thank Irish Life for their continuing support in what is life changing work.”
Stacey Machesney, head of health and wellbeing at Irish Life, added: “The commitment shown over the past month has been incredibly encouraging. Despite one of the wettest Januarys on record, almost 39,000 participants made the choice to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing, getting out, staying active and supporting one another along the way.
“Regular movement has a proven impact not just on physical health, but on mental wellbeing. What stands out most is the sense of connection behind these numbers – people coming together with a shared goal, motivating each other through challenging conditions and strengthening their sense of community in the process. That collective effort is something to be proud of and demonstrates the powerful role local clubs and initiatives can play in supporting healthier, more connected communities.”
Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories, Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs ambassador, stated: As someone whose own club is part of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, I’ve seen how powerful it can be in bringing people together. It reminds us that looking after ourselves is easier when we look after each other and this could not be more evident from the steps recorded in January.
“January can be a difficult month for people at the best of times, so it was amazing to see communities come together and get their steps in during what was one of the most miserable months of weather we have had in recent times.”
