Making sustainability strides in Shannon Gaels

Shannon Gaels GAA Club has been making significant strides in sustainability and nature conservation through its participation in the GAA Green Club Programme, thanks in part to €1,000 in Green Club Seed Funding which helped support a range of projects across the club.

The Blacklion-based club, which also covers the areas of Glangevlin and Dowra in west Cavan, has around 180 members, and was keen to build on the “strong community spirit” there by taking "practical action” to improve the local environment.

“The Green Club funding provided an opportunity to turn some of our ideas into reality, helping us enhance biodiversity, develop new community partnerships and create projects that will benefit future generations,” said Green Club Officer and Club PRO Ronan McManus.

The funding was used to purchase Whitethorn plants, Yellow Rattle seed, reusable water bottles and bottle holders, informational signage and bee hotels, helping the club deliver initiatives focused on biodiversity, waste reduction and sustainable habits.

One of the most successful projects was the expansion of the club's wildflower meadow initiative to two areas within the grounds. These meadows have provided valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife while creating an attractive natural feature for members and visitors alike. Throughout the year, a wide range of native species flourished, including Orchids, Self Heal, Clover, Buttercup, Bedstraw and Ragged Robin.

To further improve the diversity of the meadows, Yellow Rattle seed was planted with support from Blacklion Tidy Towns. Known as “The Meadow Maker”, Yellow Rattle helps reduce dominant grass growth, allowing native wildflowers more opportunity to thrive. While the seed did not take hold this time, the project provided valuable learning for the club’s six Green Team volunteers, who are looking forward to trying again in the future as they continue to enhance biodiversity around the club grounds.

Signage was also installed beside the meadow areas, providing information on the importance of native wildflowers, pollinators and the biodiversity value of the project.

Over 400 Whitethorn plants were planted with support from Blacklion Tidy Towns and club volunteers to establish a new hedgerow on the grounds. Native hedgerows provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, insects and small mammals while helping to connect habitats across the landscape.

Another initiative saw Shannon Gaels develop a cross-border partnership with Belcoo Men's Shed, who handcrafted a number of bee hotels now installed around the club grounds. The structures provide nesting spaces for solitary bees and other pollinators while also highlighting the value of communities working together.

The club also reduced single-use plastic waste through the provision of reusable water bottles and bottle holders for both the mens and ladies teams. Hydration station signage was installed to encourage members and visitors to refill reusable bottles rather than rely on disposable plastics.

A three-bin waste segregation system in partnership with Wilton Recycling was also introduced, making it easier for members and visitors to separate recyclable, organic and general waste. Bin station signage was installed and free bin identification stickers sourced through MyWaste.ie were utilised throughout the club. Together, these measures are helping to improve waste segregation and increase recycling within the club.

"The Green Club Programme has given us an excellent opportunity to make practical improvements around the club while engaging with other community groups and organisations," Ronan said.

"From expanding our wildflower meadows and planting native hedgerows to working with Blacklion Tidy Towns and Belcoo Men's Shed, these projects have shown what can be achieved when people work together. We are grateful for the support provided through the Green Club Seed Funding and to everyone who has helped bring these initiatives to life."

Through the support of volunteers, community partners and the GAA Green Club Programme, Shannon Gaels demonstrates how small clubs can make a big contribution to nature, sustainability and community wellbeing. The projects show how relatively modest funding, combined with local volunteer effort and community collaboration, can deliver lasting benefits for both wildlife and the wider community. With strong foundations now in place, the club looks forward to building on these initiatives in the years ahead.

Shannon Gaels GAA Club is always looking for new volunteers and is particularly keen to hear from people who may not be traditionally involved in the club but have an interest in biodiversity, sustainability or environmental projects. New ideas and fresh perspectives are always welcome, and anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact Ronan at communications.shannongaels.cavan@gaa.ie.