Game On for Learning: Wexford GAA and WWETB Launch GAEL Programme in Local Schools

A new school sports initiative is making waves across County Wexford this Autumn. Wexford GAA and the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) have teamed up to launch GAEL – a programme designed to reintroduce sport to students who may have stepped away from physical activity or those who would benefit from new opportunities to take part and the benefits that brings.

GAEL, which stands for Growth, Activity, Empowerment, Leadership, is now active in eight WWETB post-primary schools. The programme focuses on fun, inclusion, and leadership, aiming to boost participation and confidence among students.

Recent studies show a sharp drop in sport participation among teenagers, especially girls. GAEL responds to this challenge by offering tailored activities that meet each school’s needs – from rounders, handball and movement skills to leadership training for Transition Year students.

Local Impact

Al Monahan, Wexford GAA’s Games Development Coordinator, who leads the programme across schools, explained “Our partnership with WWETB is helping bring Gaelic Games to more students, especially those who may not have had the confidence or opportunity before. The energy, smiles, and teamwork we’re seeing each week are what GAEL is all about.”

Students are already feeling the difference:

• “Doing Al’s sessions is making me think about going back to camogie.” – Charlie Kennedy College New Ross
• “I am enjoying the programme as its full of different activities.” – Lola, Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge
• “I loved refereeing at the Blitz, I gave an exhibition!  – Kyle, TY Selskar College

 

Community Collaboration

WWETB Chief Executive Dr Karina Daly said, “GAEL highlights the importance of sport – especially team sport – as part of a holistic education. It’s about giving every student a better experience in school and encouraging lifelong engagement with physical activity.”

Wexford GAA Chairperson John Kenny added, “This is a winner for students and a winner for Wexford GAA clubs. We’re proud to work with schools to deliver a programme that fits their needs.”

Creagh College is focusing on 1st and 2nd year girls, a group particularly prone to sport dropout. Principal Declan O’Toole said, “GAEL gives our students the chance to grow not just as players, but as people — developing teamwork, resilience, and leadership every day.”

Blitz event at the Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence

GAEL works with male and female students in their school environment, building skills and confidence through inclusive activities.  This work culminates in competitive events where students can showcase what they’ve learned

A Blitz for approximately eighty 1^st and 2^nd year girls was held in the GAA Centre of Excellence in Ferns recently, where some girls played team sport and football on a full pitch for the first time. The matches were refereed by Transition year students who had engaged in the GAEL Young Whistlers programme, showing that involvement in sport can be more than playing on the pitch. Despite the cold, it was a fun, positive and rewarding event for all who participated.

 

Looking Ahead

The GAEL Steering Group, made up of school leaders, WWETB representatives, and Wexford GAA staff, will monitor progress and share best practices throughout the year. Paul O’Brien, Chair of the Steering Group, said, “This is an agile, evolving model that other counties are watching closely. The fun and professionalism Al and Wexford GAA bring to our students is unmatched.”

GAEL will run throughout the 2025/2026 school year, engaging hundreds of students across County Wexford. It’s not just about sport – it’s about building confidence, community, and lifelong habits of health and wellbeing.

A list of WWETB post primary schools can be found if you click here