Off the booze initiative

Clare GAA County Board has pledged its full backing for the new health initiative Off the Booze and On the Ball, which received its local launch this week.
The initiative, endorsed by the association, challenges members to abstain from alcohol for the month of January 2012 and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local club.
Encouraging all clubs in the county to embrace the “pint-sized challenge”, board chairman Michael O’Neill emphasised the initiative was a great way to promote health among members and a novel way for clubs to generate some revenue in these difficult times.
Mr O’Neill recalled that he abstained from alcohol for Lent some 20 years ago and has been a tee-totaller since.
“I’m not anti-drink at all and neither is this initiative. I act as a designated driver for my wife and her friends every week and I have the craic in the local pub without having a drink.
“I think it’s a great idea that people make themselves available as designated driver to family and friends if they take up this challenge. It is important we continue to support out local publicans, who have been great backers of Clare clubs down through the years,” he acknowledged.
His fellow Ballyea clubman, Tony Kelly, lent his support for the campaign and spoke of the discipline and dedication required to make it at the top, regardless of age.
Tony, who captained Clare to this year’s Munster minor title, was subsequently named Munster minor hurler of the year, an accolade richly deserved for the talented dual star.
“When you reach a certain level you have friends who take their sport seriously and others who don’t and you have to make the right choices if you want to be the best you can in your career. That’s why I am happy to support an initiative like this,” he commented.
The St Flannan’s College student, who turns 18 this month, said he has had some great role models in Clare throughout his career. He noted that all players, irrespective the age group, are exposed to peer pressures off the field but he emphasised that the sacrifices are all worth it in the end.
Other speakers included Dr Paul McKenna, representing the Health Service Executive; Inspector John Galvin, head of the Road Traffic Division in Clare and Sergeant John Ryan.
As well as carrying a health promotion message, Off the Booze and On the Bal’ fully supports the Road Safety Authority’s road safety message.
Count y chairman Michael O’Neill congratulated all ASAP (Alcohol and Substance Abuse) officers for their ongoing support of the programme and praised Des Crowe for his tireless work as county ASAP officer and the Clare ASAP committee of Niamh Madigan, Sandra Reynolds, John Meade and John Morris.
Individuals and full club panels can sign up for the initiative at www.gaa.ie/asap, where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet.
Further information is also available from Des Crowe on 087 2672124.
Furthermore, all participating clubs that register at www.gaa.ie will be in with a chance of winning a training session with one of Ireland’s leading high-performance coaches or one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists in 2012.