The Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Lidl Ireland have unveiled the 21 clubs selected to participate in the 2026 #SeriousSupport Club Programme, a flagship initiative focused on supporting youth mental health through community-based sport.
Spanning 16 counties and all four provinces this year, the programme continues to scale its national footprint, reinforcing the role of grassroots sport as a platform for positive social impact. Participating clubs will engage in a structured journey from April 27th to July 5th, centred on creating safe, inclusive environments that encourage connection, conversation, and wellbeing.
At the heart of the programme is the ‘five a day’ framework for mental health, built around five key pillars: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Clubs will bring these themes to life through activities designed to engage members and the wider community, while documenting their progress عبر social media using the #SeriousSupportClub hashtag and a dedicated programme portal.
Completion of all five steps will see clubs awarded official accreditation, alongside new jerseys, with further incentive provided through a €10,000 funding pool. पुरस्कार categories will recognise innovation, community involvement, and overall engagement, highlighting best practice at club level.
Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, pointed to the programme’s long-term impact as the partnership enters its tenth year. “The Lidl #SeriousSupport Club programme remains a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting the next generation of female athletes,” she said. “We are incredibly proud to announce the clubs selected for 2026 and grateful to our customers who nominated their local clubs.”
LGFA President Trina Murray highlighted the initiative’s evolution from concept to established support structure within clubs. “What began as a powerful idea has evolved into a meaningful support system, helping to foster open conversations around mental health and wellbeing,” she said. “The impact is already evident, with stronger connections and more supportive environments at grassroots level.”
The 2026 club cohort includes representation from across the country, with clubs such as Killygarry (Cavan), Crosshaven and Dohenys (Cork), Gaeil Fhánada and Beart (Donegal), Killarney Legion and Listowel Emmets (Kerry), Na Piarsaigh (Limerick), Killoe (Longford), Naomh Mairtin (Louth), Moy Davitts (Mayo), Navan O’Mahony’s (Meath), and Horeswood (Wexford) among those selected.
In parallel, the LGFA has confirmed participating clubs for its TALK Project, a six-week initiative targeted at young people aged 13–18. Delivered across Ulster counties, the programme aims to build awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, further strengthening the Association’s holistic approach to player welfare.
Together, the #SeriousSupport Club Programme and LGFA TALK Project underline the growing importance of mental health initiatives within Irish sport, and the value of sustained commercial partnerships in driving meaningful change at community level.
Image Credit: LGFA and Lidl
The LGFA and Lidl Ireland mentioned in this story are full members of the Sport for Business community.
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