BY MICHAEL O’LEARY
Since been formed only a few years ago, Young Irelands Healthy Club in Gowran has grown in popularity with a host of events and last Monday week on Easter Monday they launched All-Stars at Young Irelands GAA grounds in Gowran.
All-Stars is a new group organized by The Healthy Club Committee, and the idea came about in late 2023 at a meeting in Dungarvan Hall.
As mentioned, The All-Stars group was launched on Easter Monday as part of the La na gclub celebrations as events took place in Clubs across the country.
There were fun and games in Young Irelands pitch to mark the launch including an Easter Egg Hunt with over 70 kids involved, and the group for 6-16 years old will meet at 6.30pm on Monday Evenings throughout the season.
One of the events The Healthy Club have organized is The Young Irelands Rounders Tournament that has taken place the past two years. The inaugural Tournament in 2022 drew a huge response with 16 teams competing from different Townlands of Gowran/Dungarvan Parish, and the novelty aspect of that certainly added to and enhanced the competition.
The Rounders Tournament brought about a wonderful community spirit in Gowran over the past two years to all ages of all abilities, and it has been held as part of Family Fun Day.
Last year, they organized the Darkness Into Light that was held in Gowran for the very first time and they are hoping to host it again on Saturday May 11th.
Also, a Health and Wellness Evening took place in a packed Dungarvan Hall on Monday 11th March where guest speakers included Gaelic Footballer Conor Harris, and it was a hugely informative evening.
Last Autumn, Young Irelands Healthy Club were a Gold Award recipient for their contribution to health and wellbeing of members and local communities, and it was a fitting tribute and testament to the wonderful work they have done over the past few years.
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs have increased amazingly from a starting point of 16 Clubs in 2013 to 450 Clubs over 10 years later, and it’s growth just emphazises it’s popularity nationwide.
As mentioned, The All-Stars group will meet at 6.30pm on Monday Evenings and for further details on how to get involved or for events happening within Young Irelands Healthy Club, you can check out The Young Irelands Facebook page for further details.
