Inclusive Bandon GAA wins €5,000

BANDON GAA Club has celebrated winning the SuperValu ‘Community Includes Everyone’ Award which includes a donation of €5,000 towards further progressing the club’s inclusion and diversity programme.

The club was up against stiff competition from GAA clubs across Ireland but were announced clear winners for their ‘All-Star’ team.

The Bandon GAA All-Stars Team was set up in 2022 to ensure all children, regardless of ability, would have the opportunity to be part of a team and the club.

Club members spoke to parents and children and listened to what they could do as a club to make it more inclusive for children of all abilities.

To date, the club has run three all-star camps with 15 children and 27 coaches helping out voluntarily.

Commenting on the award, Underage Chairperson of Bandon GAA Club, John Ahern said: “We’re delighted to have won this award as we are so proud of our All-Stars team, these children show tremendous resilience and are a real inspiration to us all.

“We will certainly put the donation to good use within the club to make it as welcoming as possible for all children.

“We have a tremendous group of volunteers who help out every day of the week across many various aspects from coaching to management to fundraising. Without their hard work, this would not be possible.”

Speaking about the award, SuperValu’s Community & Sponsorship manager, John Kelly, said: “Now in our 14th season as sponsors of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, SuperValu is proud once more to be using this sponsorship to help make Irish communities more diverse and more inclusive.

“Bandon GAA club and it’s All-Stars team is a real example of a club welcoming everyone and demonstrating that the GAA is an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by all.”