Louth Local Sports Partnership Secures Research Grant with DCU to Showcase Louth's Leadership in Inclusive Gaelic Games
DCU researchers will evaluate Louth's nationally recognised GAA All-Stars programme, with support from Louth GAA
Louth Local Sports Partnership (LSP) has secured €18,000 in funding through the Sport Ireland Research and Evaluation Grant Scheme to undertake an innovative research project evaluating the GAA All-Stars Initiative in County Louth. The project will be delivered in partnership with Dublin City University's (DCU) School of Health and Human Performance, with support from Louth GAA, whose clubs play a central role in delivering the GAA All-Stars programme across the county.
The GAA All-Stars Initiative provides children and young people with additional needs the opportunity to participate in Gaelic games in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment. In recent years, the programme has grown significantly in County Louth through the leadership of Louth LSP and the commitment of Louth GAA clubs and volunteers, becoming recognised as one of Ireland's leading examples of inclusive community sport.
While the programme's positive impact on children and families is widely recognised, there has been limited formal research examining how it is delivered and identifying the factors that contribute to its success.
Odhrán Doherty, Programme Manager with Louth LSP, said:
"We are delighted to receive this funding from Sport Ireland to evaluate a programme that has become a flagship initiative for inclusive sport in County Louth. The All-Stars programme has a tremendous impact on children and their families, and this research will help us better understand what works, the challenges clubs experience, and how we can continue to support even more communities to develop sustainable inclusive programmes. Partnering with DCU allows us to build a robust evidence base that will benefit clubs not only in Louth, but across Ireland."
The one-year research project, Building an Evidence Base for Inclusive Sport: A Process Evaluation of the GAA All-Stars Initiative, will be led by researchers Dr Bronagh McGrane, Dr Nathan Gavigan, and Caitlin O’ Reilly.
The research will combine surveys of clubs across County Louth with interviews involving coaches, volunteers, programme coordinators, participants and parents. The findings will help identify best practice, explore challenges faced by clubs, and produce a practical, evidence-based toolkit to support the continued growth of inclusive Gaelic games locally and nationally.
Dr Bronagh McGrane, Assistant Professor in DCU's School of Health and Human Performance, added:
"We are delighted to partner with Louth Local Sports Partnership on this important project. Louth has established itself as a national leader in the delivery of the GAA All-Stars programme, and our role is to generate the evidence that captures what is working so well. By working closely with Louth LSP, Louth GAA, clubs, volunteers and families, we aim to develop practical resources that will help strengthen inclusive Gaelic games across Ireland."
The project will commence in the coming weeks, with GAA clubs across County Louth invited to participate in surveys and interviews. As one of Ireland's leading counties in the delivery of the GAA All-Stars programme, Louth is well placed to help inform best practice nationally.
Pierce Caherty, Head of Games at Louth GAA, said:
"Louth has become recognised nationally for the strength of its GAA All-Stars programme, thanks to the commitment of our clubs, volunteers and the leadership of Louth Local Sports Partnership. We are delighted to support this research with DCU, which will capture the excellent work already taking place across the county and provide an evidence base to help more clubs throughout Ireland develop inclusive opportunities for children and young people with additional needs. We are proud that Louth is helping to shape the future of inclusive Gaelic games nationally."
The research will conclude in early 2027 with the launch of an evidence-based toolkit and the presentation of findings to clubs, stakeholders and the wider GAA community.
About Louth Local Sports Partnership (LSP)
Louth Local Sports Partnership (Louth LSP), operating as part of Louth County Council, was established in 2008 as part of the national Local Sports Partnership network led by Sport Ireland.
Louth LSP is jointly funded by Sport Ireland and Louth County Council to increase participation in sport and physical activity across County Louth. The partnership works with local communities, sports clubs, schools, and voluntary organisations to deliver inclusive programmes, training opportunities and initiatives that support people of all ages and abilities to become more active.