SETU Carlow hosts the GAA M. Donnelly wheelchair hurling and camogie All Ireland finals

South East Technological University (SETU) will host the GAA M. Donnelly Wheelchair Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Finals at its campus in Carlow, until 2026.

The first instalment took place on Saturday last, the 21th October at SETU in Carlow. Speaking about the partnership, Director of Sport at SETU in Carlow, Donal McNally said, “We are delighted to have hosted the event, we have hosted some wheelchair hurling and camogie blitzes back in 2015.

“They were really exciting games and brilliant to be a part of. In terms of sport here at SETU, over the last number of years we have developed a good sporting tradition.

“We do a lot of work with the Irish Wheelchair Association, we do a lot of para-athletics and basketball. When the opportunity for the wheelchair hurling and camogie finals came about, we were really excited to get on board to support it.”

Speaking about the All Ireland Finals and the GAA’s partnership with SETU, Geraldine McTavish, GAA Diversity and Inclusion Officer, said, “The aim of the GAA is to offer an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for everyone. Over the last 10 years, the GAA has been working very hard around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“The GAA For ALL Committee is one that oversees a lot of the inclusion and integration policies, and all initiatives. It is made up of the GAA, LGFA, the Camogie Association, the Handball Association, and the Rounders Association, along with many other stakeholders. The committee engages in awareness campaigns and development and guidelines around GAA For ALL.

“The wheelchair hurling and camogie programme gives everyone in the community the opportunity to experience GAA sport no matter what ability you have, and we could not run the programme without the support of our volunteers and members of GAA clubs. The number of players in all the province is increasing each year.

“The GAA for ALL committee is delighted with its collaboration with SETU. The committee would like to thank the team at SETU in Carlow for hosting the M. Donnelly Wheelchair Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Finals, with special thanks to the sponsor, teams, volunteers, and spectators who attend all the games across the country.”

Over the past 14 years, new developments have been made for sports facilities at SETU, coupled with excellent academic programmes that have seen high-level sporting talent choose to study at the university.

Occasions such as the GAA M. Donnelly Wheelchair Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Finals also provide an opportunity for SETU to engage with the community in initiatives and events that support greater access to sport.

Additionally, current students have the chance to get involved by volunteering for what is a rewarding experience that will add to their skillsets.

Part of SETU’s strategic goals for the coming years is increasing access to education for all. Supporting these GAA events over the coming years demonstrates that SETU is a place that facilitates sports people from across our communities in fulfilling their academic and sporting goals.