Ballaghaderreen GAA Club was recognised last week for their commitment to promoting the integration of refugees and asylum-seekers.
The club was one of five GAA and football clubs to receive an award, having successfully completed the ‘Club Welcome’ programme developed by the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.
Through ‘Club Welcome’, Show Racism the Red Card supports activities aimed at increasing the participation of refugees and asylum-seekers in grassroots sports.
As part of the programme, Ballaghaderreen GAA Club organised a blitz and a trip to Croke Park for last year’s Roscommon v Mayo fixture for Syrian refugees living locally. The club now has Syrian refugees training with its U-18s football team on a regular basis.
John Kilgallon from Ballaghderreen GAA Club was presented with the award by David Stanton TD, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration.
At the event, Show Racism the Red Card announced that ‘Club Welcome’ will be expanded this year, and called on sports clubs nationwide to register their interest in participating.
