The work being done on increasing diversity within the GAA is bearing fruit with a new SuperValu survey revealing that 15 percent of those in Ireland who identify within a diverse community on race, sexual identity, or physical or intellectual ability are members of a GAA Club. This figure is up from 12 percent in 2021, a 25 percent increase.

Role models and allies from across the country rallied under the banner of diversity and inclusion in Croke Park yesterday, as SuperValu launched their sponsorship of this year’s GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the third year of their #CommunityIncludesEveryone campaign.

SuperValu is now entering its fourteenth year as supporters of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

Four-time All-Star and All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer David Clifford, leading GAA referees Maggie Farrelly and David Gough, Mayo Footballer Padraig O’Hora, Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru, and Hannah Looney and Erika O’Shea of the Cork Ladies Footballers were among those flying the flag for a wider base within the Association.

Also included in the research was the finding that almost two-thirds of people (63 percent) believe that if the local GAA club is more diverse and inclusive, it will also improve diversity and inclusivity within communities.

The role GAA clubs play in building diverse communities is clear, with 74 percent of people in Ireland stating that they can bring their whole self to their club regardless of background, while 71 percent agree that their club welcomes players from diverse communities.

Diversity

The survey also indicates that the diversity of Ireland continues to grow, with 26 percent of the population sample from diverse backgrounds, up four percent from 2021.

However, the research, suggests that there is still plenty of work to do to ensure that everyone feels that there is place for them within Gaelic Games.

Almost two-fifths (37 percent) of the research panel feel that the GAA is ‘behind’ Irish society when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Awareness and education are the key stumbling blocks outlined in the research, with a significant 28 percent of people unsure as to what actions communities can do to support the GAA in being more inclusive.

The profiling of diverse role models is a key action here, with 76 percent agreeing that is important that those of a diverse ethnicity, sexuality or ability see themselves represented within the GAA.

The role of allies and advocates, such as David Clifford, Padraig O’Hora and Erika O’Shea in driving diversity and inclusion within Gaelic Games is also made clear within the study, which was carried out by Amárach Research last month.

Supported

Over three in four people in Ireland agree that it is important that those from diverse backgrounds are supported by allies and advocates within GAA communities.

Earlier this month, Mayo footballer and SuperValu diversity and inclusion champion Pádraig O’Hora hosted a #CommunityIncludesEveryone day at his club Ballina Stephenites.

A fun-filled inclusive day for those aged 12 – 18, the event aimed to promote sport and physical activity for all children within the community, regardless of ability, ethnicity, nationality or fitness level.

SuperValu is now inviting all clubs across Ireland to enter a competition to win €5,000 to host a #CommunityIncludesEveryone day of their own, and to fund initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion within their own club.

The competition is open for entries from the 25th of April and to find out more about the competition and how to enter clubs can visit www.supervalu.ie.

This summer will also see SuperValu build on their previous work with leading GAA Referee and LGBTI+ advocate David Gough who will lead a suite of activities for SuperValu during Pride month in June.

Proud

“In our fourteenth season as sponsors of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, SuperValu is proud once more to be using this platform help make Irish communities more diverse and more inclusive,” said SuperValu Marketing Director Ray Kelly.

“At SuperValu communities are at the heart of everything that we do, much like our partners in the GAA. Ahead of what promises to be a fascinating summer of football, it is important that those of diverse ethnicities, genders and sexualities know that in Ireland #CommunityIncludesEveryone and there is a place for everyone in the GAA. – a message our panel of role models and diversity champions here in Croke Park today are proud to support and share.”

Local communities know that we’re very serious about our widespread work in the area of Diversity and Inclusion, promoting a greater participation and being more welcoming and understanding,” said GAA Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ger McTavish.

“The research released today highlights that while plenty has been done to bring on diversity and inclusion in Gaelic Games, there is always more to do.”

“I would like to thank the panel of allies, advocates and role models for leveraging their influence and sharing their thoughts and stories to make diverse communities feel more welcome in the GAA.”

“A huge thanks also goes to SuperValu for continuing to drive positive change by using their sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship as a platform to constantly move the dial with #CommunityIncludesEveryone.”

Join us tomorrow for an exclusive interview with Maighréad Cremin, Community and Sponsorship Manager at SuperValu to dive deeper into the sponsorship.