Mutual support and friendship for youngsters part of the GAA structure

The Carrigaline camogie squad during training. A new study has found friendships in young GAA teams are highly valued. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Sure, lookit, we all know the GAA is great, Marty — and a new study has shown just how it helps younger people, including how it enhances the idea that "real-life" friendships are better than the online equivalent.

An Exploration of the Perceived Friendship, Social Support and Understanding of Empathy among the Membership of Four Gaelic Athletic Association Juvenile Clubs was written by Conor Horgan for a PhD in the School of Political Science and Sociology at NUI Galway and looked at the perceived friendship, social support, and understanding of empathy among the membership of the four clubs, all based in Galway city.