Project to tackle isolation of older men

A PILOT GAA project aimed at offsetting the isolation of older men, particularly in rural areas, is to be made permanent.

Seán Kilbride has been appointed as the Association’s new social initiative project manager. The former inter-county footballer will begin his role today and will be based in Croke Park.

Mr Kilbride, who played at minor, U21 and senior level for Mayo and the senior grade for Roscommon, is an active member of St Brigid’s in Roscommon and his two sons, Senan and Ian, are current members of the Connacht winning county senior football panel.

The social initiative was established by the GAA in 2009 in conjunction with Áras an Uachtaráin in an effort to provide a social outlet for older males, particularly in rural areas.

The scheme was first trialled in Kerry, Wexford, Roscommon and Fermanagh and was overseen by President Mary McAleese. The President had floated the idea for such a scheme at a forum she held in Áras an Uachtaráin, having noticed the absence of older men at functions she attended over the years.

She said she hoped it would offset the isolation of some of the 200,000 men over 65, a third of whom live on their own.

“Changing patterns of lives and lifestyles, from rural depopulation to rural transport issues, changes in pub culture, the pressures of modern life, have all taken a toll and for some men it has been a process of drifting from the company and companionship of earlier years to the solitariness of their own company,” she said.

The project is based on GAA clubs which will be working with the Irish Farmers Association, Senior Help Line, Third Age Foundation, the Gardaí, Macra na Feirme and Muintir na Tíre.

Mr Kilbride joins the initiative having served in the Defence Forces from 1968 to 2009, entering at Cadet level and finishing at the rank of Colonel.

He said: “I intend to devote all my energies towards helping the scheme to have the maximum impact possible on society.”

* Contact National Social Initiative co-ordinator, Moira Graham, on 01 8363222 or by email on [e-mail]