Carey, Dolan set to champion alcohol awareness drive

THE GAA is to launch a major alcohol awareness campaign this summer. The Association will use some of its biggest stars to warn Irish youngsters of the perils of alcohol abuse.

Last year the GAA’s task force on alcohol and drug abuse recommended a phasing out of alcohol branding and sponsorship within two years, as well as the appointment of a full-time alcohol and drug abuse awareness officer.

GAA President Sean Kelly has met officials from the Department of Health and hopes the position can be filled within a month.

“If we get that then we would be in a position to roll out the campaign, working with the experts, the Department of Health and RTÉ to get the message down to the grassroots,” said Kelly.

“We will look to incorporate players from the GAA, some who never drank, some who might have drunk too much and learned the error of their ways, and others who would have drunk in moderation.”

DJ Carey and Dessie Dolan are high-profile GAA teetotallers and both have been approached about the campaign.

“I’ve mentioned it to some of the players on a personal basis and the reaction has been positive,” said Kelly.

“The easiest thing to do would be to sit on the sidelines and do nothing,” said Kelly. Meanwhile, the GAA has agreed a long-term deal with the Scottish Camanachd Association, shinty’s governing body.

Kelly held talks with his Scottish counterpart, John McKenzie, in Glasgow two weeks ago and both organisations committed to a 10-year deal involving senior international games, U22 internationals and club meetings.