HSE and the GAA working together to make Inclusive Cúl Camps accessible to a larger number of children with disabilities

This year, the HSE and the GAA are working together on a pilot project to make the GAA Inclusive Cúl Camps accessible to a larger number of children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and autism.

The project will initially be rolled out in the Munster Region this summer and will include Inclusive Cúl Camps.

Locations

They will be available in the following areas:

County Cork

Name of camp: Cork GAA Inclusion

Number of camps: 1

Venue: Pairc Ui Caoimh

Dates: 21 - 23 July

County Clare

Name of camp: Cusack Park Inclusion

Number of camps: 1

Venue: Cusack Park

Dates: 5 - 7 August

Co Kerry

Name of camp: Kerry Inclusion

Number of camps: 2

Venues: The Green CBS and Miltown GAA

Dates: 5 - 7 August and 12 - 14 August

Co Limerick

Name of camp: Limerick Inclusion

Number of camps: 2

Venues: Old Christians and Ballingarry

Dates: 3 days

Co Tipperary

Name of camp: Tipperary All Inclusive

Number of camps: 1

Venue: Dr Morris Park

Dates: 13 - 15 August

Co Waterford

Name of camp: Waterford Inclusion

Number of camps: 2

Venues: Walsh Park and Fraher Field

Dates: 18 - 20 August and 20 - 22 August

The HSE/GAA collaboration will be extended to all regions in 2026 so that more children with disabilities will have an opportunity to participate in the Inclusive Cúl Camps throughout the country.

The HSE provides services that support and enable people with disabilities to maximise their full potential, as independently as possible. Our vision is for people with disabilities to live full lives in their communities.

A major priority for the HSE is to significantly improve access for children and families to services and supports within the community. The HSE works in conjunction with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), people with disabilities and their families, disabled persons’ organisations, service providers and a wide range of other stakeholders to make this happen. 

Approximately 10.8% of the child population in Ireland has a disability. This accounts for over 130,000 children. The needs of children with a disability extend well beyond health service provision, and the HSE participates fully with Community and Voluntary Groups to maximise access to services and supports within the community.

The GAA Cúl Camps provide primary school boys and girls – between the ages of 6 and 13 – with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays which revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games.  Activities are player-centred with a Games Based approach and a strong emphasis on personal development and well-being. 

There will be 39 Inclusive Cúl Camps operating this year throughout the country providing opportunities for 1,124 participants with additional needs to experience a mainstream GAA Cúl Camp. 

Watch a video on Carlow GAA's Inclusive Kellogg's Cúl Camp

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Norma Foley TD said, “I’m really pleased to see this initiative get off the ground, with support from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and in partnership with the GAA and the HSE.  Children with disabilities should be afforded the opportunity to benefit from sports participation in their own local communities.

“GAA Inclusion Cúl Camps are a great example of community spirit and opportunity for all, enhancing the lives of all children involved.”

Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE said, “It's wonderful to see this partnership with the GAA on this project. It will add value to existing HSE children's disability services, particularly during the summer months, and will be a significant support to children with disabilities and their families by enabling them to participate in Gaelic Games alongside other children from their schools and communities.

“Improving access to disability services and supports within local communities is a priority for the HSE and we are supporting coaches and volunteers with strategies and educational awareness around children with addition needs participating in sport, and the health and wellbeing and social benefits that participation brings.  I wish all the children at GAA Inclusive Cúl Camps a fun filled experience.”

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA said, “The GAA is delighted to be working with the HSE on this project. In line with our inclusive values, we endeavour, as always, to make Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camps accessible to everyone. With this partnership we hope to accommodate all children, of all needs, at their local camp.”

Find out more about GAA Inclusive Cúl Camps