DCU researchers partner with Louth Local Sports Partnership to strengthen inclusive community sport
Researchers from Dublin City University's School of Health and Human Performance have secured funding through the Sport Ireland Research and Evaluation Grant Scheme to work with Louth Local Sports Partnership (LSP) on a project exploring how community partnerships can create more inclusive sporting opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
The €18,000 project, Building an Evidence Base for Inclusive Sport: A Process Evaluation of the GAA All-Stars Initiative, reflects DCU's commitment to research that addresses societal challenges through meaningful engagement with communities and local organisations.
Led by Dr Bronagh McGrane, Dr Nathan Gavigan and Caitlin O'Reilly from DCU's School of Health and Human Performance, the project will be delivered in partnership with Louth Local Sports Partnership, with support from Louth GAA and its network of clubs across the county.
The research will evaluate the GAA All-Stars programme, an initiative that enables children and young people with additional needs to participate in Gaelic games in safe, welcoming and enjoyable environments. County Louth has become recognised nationally for the strength of its All-Stars programme through the leadership of Louth Local Sports Partnership and the commitment of local GAA clubs and volunteers.
While the programme has had a significant positive impact on children, families and communities, there has been limited research examining how successful inclusive community sport programmes are developed and sustained. By working directly with clubs, volunteers, coaches, participants and families, the DCU research team will identify the factors that contribute to successful delivery and develop practical recommendations that can support inclusive sport across Ireland.
The project will combine surveys of GAA clubs across County Louth with interviews involving coaches, volunteers, programme coordinators, participants and parents. Findings will inform the development of an evidence-based toolkit to support clubs and organisations seeking to establish or strengthen inclusive Gaelic games programmes.
Dr Bronagh McGrane, Assistant Professor in DCU's School of Health and Human Performance, said:
"At DCU, we are committed to research that makes a meaningful difference in communities. This partnership with Louth Local Sports Partnership demonstrates how universities and community organisations can work together to generate evidence that improves practice and creates lasting social impact.
"The GAA All-Stars programme has transformed opportunities for many children and young people with additional needs to participate in Gaelic games. By working closely with Louth LSP, Louth GAA, clubs, volunteers and families, we hope to better understand the factors that have made the programme so successful and develop practical resources that can help communities across Ireland create more inclusive sporting environments."
Odhrán Doherty, Programme Manager with Louth Local Sports Partnership, said:
"We are delighted to partner with DCU on this important research project. The GAA All-Stars programme has become a flagship initiative for inclusive sport in County Louth, and this research will help us better understand what makes it successful while providing evidence that can support its continued growth both locally and nationally."
The project aligns with DCU's strategic commitment to civic engagement and research with societal impact by working collaboratively with community partners to address local challenges while generating knowledge that can inform policy and practice nationally.
The research was launched this week at Cullen Autoparts Louth GAA Training Centre in Darver, Louth, with GAA clubs across County Louth invited to participate in surveys and interviews. Findings will be shared through workshops, presentations and academic publications before the project concludes in early 2027 with the launch of an evidence-based toolkit to support the continued growth of inclusive Gaelic games throughout Ireland.