Rosemount Social Initiative: Club of the Year finalist

Rosemount Social Initiative is an organisation which evolved from a national forum hosted by President McAleese and her husband Martin in the autumn of 2007.

That event, held at Áras an Uachtaráin, invited older men from various backgrounds to discuss their apparent under-representation at events organised for seniors across the country. Among those who recognised the importance of the issue highlighted was John Burke, who, together with a group of proactive community members from the Rosemount area, became the driving force behind the communities Social Initiative Project.

The initiative seeks to address social isolation among older adults, particularly those in the GAA community, by organising a variety of events aimed at increasing engagement and fostering inclusion.

Activities have included engaging talks at the Auld Haggert outdoor farm, an annual Pitch and Putt Classic, and numerous other social events and excursions which appeal to their target audience, the older members of the community.

The GAA community is very much behind the social initiative and encourages participation and interest for all ages in the club. The installation of an enclosed seated Social Initiative Stand, which overlooks the Rosemount GAA pitch, is a novel idea for clubs and highlights just how important the older generation is to the club. This allows for a sense of genuine connectiveness and inclusion for all.

Rosemount Social Initiative, as an organisation, has been so successful that it has been highlighted as an example for other GAA clubs to follow throughout Ireland.

In recognition for all that it does, the Rosemount Social Initiative won the Westmeath Cathaoirleach Awards, in May of this year, under the Equality and Social Inclusion category for its outstanding efforts to facilitate participation and enrich the lives of older GAA members.

Through these social and recreational activities, the initiative highlights the continued contributions of older individuals to community life and their valued place in society.

The other Club of the Year finalists are Athlone Triathlon Club and Ballinahown Development Association.

The Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards 2024 takes place at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Thursday.

The Club of the Year category at the Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards 2024 is sponsored by Specsavers