GAA accused of helping promote unhealthy living

THE GAA has been criticised by the Irish Heart Foundation for helping promote fast food and soft drinks to primary school pupils.

A recent review found local competitions and clubs were being sponsored by fast foods.

Chief executive Michael O’Shea cited 160 Dublin schools who have participated in the McDonald’s ‘Lift and Strike’ programme.

Promoting hurley and camogie to thousands of primary school pupils, McDonald’s paid for hurls, balls and other equipment, and carried logos on bags and manuals.

Competition winners will be showing off their talents at half-time during the All-Ireland hurling finals at Croke Park over the next month.

Mr O’Shea said a survey of 510 school principals showed 92% disapproved of promotions for Coca-Cola and McDonald’s in schools.

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network questioned principals on the subject of childhood obesity in June.

Some 99% agreed schools must educate children about healthy diets but only 8% supported initiatives with product promotions.

Survey results revealed stories of soft drinks promotions with GAA officials visiting schools offering crates of bottles and sponsorship.

“Children are playing hurley in Croke Park with McDonald’s promotions.

“There is an absolute need to review why the GAA are taking money from a company that is promoting fast food. There is nothing wrong with the food, in moderation, but recent UK research shows a link between promotions and children’s behaviour,” said Mr O’Shea.

A British Food Safety Authority study in September 2003 found promotions influenced children’s nutritional knowledge and led to parents being ‘pestered’ for products.

Launched in April, the GAA-McDonald’s ‘Lift and Strike’ competition is set to run until September and is in year two of a three-year contract.

A spokesperson for the GAA yesterday defended the fast food giant’s support of the games. “Ultimately, the McDonald’s programme is aimed at promoting exercise and healthy activity. We don’t advise anyone to indulge in anything to excess and the same can be said for McDonald’s,” the spokesperson said.