The GAA and the Gaelic Players Association have launched the third year of the Movember Ahead of the Game programme, encouraging clubs across Ireland to host workshops designed to strengthen the mental fitness and wellbeing of young players.

More than 17,000 players, parents and coaches have taken part in the initiative since its introduction in 2024, with over 650 workshops delivered in clubs across all 32 counties. Supported by Healthy Ireland and the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, the programme is now one of the largest mental wellbeing initiatives in Irish sport.

The latest phase was launched at Croke Park on Monday by All Ireland winner and sports psychologist Kevin McManamon, former Limerick captain Declan Hannon, Dublin All-Ireland winner and Ahead of the Game facilitator Leah Caffrey, and former Kerry hurler and programme facilitator Martin Stackpoole.

Centred around GAA clubs, the workshops are delivered to underage teams by current and former inter-county players through the GPA. They aim to create open conversations around mental health, resilience and wellbeing while equipping players, coaches and parents with practical tools to support themselves and those around them.

Branded as “The Most Important Team Talk,” the programme encourages clubs to view mental fitness as an essential part of player development, alongside physical preparation and technical skills.

GAA President Jarlath Burns said the response to the initiative over the past two years demonstrated its value throughout the Association.

“Over 17,000 players and members of the GAA community have already benefited from Movember Ahead of the Game in recent years. Mental wellbeing is a vital consideration for every healthy player, and ensuring that players have the skills that they need in this area is important for the Association.”

GPA CEO Tom Parsons highlighted the role played by current and former inter-county players in delivering the workshops.

“By using GPA members as facilitators in workshops around the country, the Movember Ahead of the Game programme has given players first-hand experience of the mental barriers players at all levels face, and the tools that are needed to overcome them.”

Sports psychologist Kevin McManamon said that while team talks are a defining feature of sport, the conversations taking place through the programme have an impact that extends far beyond the final whistle.

“I’ve been in a privileged position to work with some amazing teams in my career. These players have developed the mental skills to thrive on the biggest stage. Team talks are always a crucial part of sport, but the skills learned in Movember Ahead of the Game workshops are the most important of all.”

Former Limerick captain Declan Hannon echoed that sentiment, describing the workshops as an investment in young people that lasts well beyond their playing careers.

“I’ve been in countless dressing rooms in my time and heard some brilliant team talks, but these workshops provide players with skills to last a lifetime. Players will excel on the pitch if they have the mental skills off it.”

With registrations now open for 2026, the GAA and GPA are encouraging clubs nationwide to host workshops and continue building a culture where conversations about mental wellbeing are as much a part of Gaelic Games as training sessions and match preparation.

 

 

 

 

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Image Credit: LGFA and Sportsfile

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