Veteran Westport GAA members enjoy evening out at MacHale Park courtesy of Specsavers

Specsavers Castlebar teamed up with Westport GAA club recently in an initiative that aims to reconnect older and more vulnerable people within the GAA community.

As part of the initiative, Specsavers Castlebar provided a bursary fund to Westport GAA club to bring a group from the local community to the Mayo vs Roscommon Allianz League football match.

The initiative, now in its second year, is a nationwide campaign by Specsavers to support those who may have fallen out of the habit of going to GAA games in recent years and who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend and enjoy a day out watching their favourite sport. The success of last year’s initiative saw a growth in clubs’ interest to participate and so, Specsavers are delighted to facilitate the initiative in all 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

Speaking about the GAA day out, Specsavers Castlebar, Manager Jordi Cornado Bague says: “Looking out for our community is so important to us, so this was another way for us to help those who may have been shielding during the pandemic and to encourage them to re-connect with the wider society and get back to enjoying the activities they love the most. We were delighted to work with Westport GAA club on this initiative and we hope that everyone enjoyed the day.”

Pictured are the group from Westport GAA in the Castlecourt Hotel before departing from Castlebar.

Kim Robertson, Public Relations Officer at Westport GAA club, adds: “I would like to thank all the staff at Specsavers Castlebar for organising a great day trip to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. It was a great day out and one which our community members will remember. Of course, it was great that Mayo got the right results too.”

Those who attended the game really enjoyed the day and extended they’re thanks to the staff at Specsavers Castlebar and Westport GAA club for organising a memorable day out.

Jordi continues: “Our customers are at the heart of our Castlebar store and our older customers are a key focus for us. We know that regular social interaction, the forming of relationships and connections within social networks generates higher levels of physical and mental wellbeing in older people which is why we were delighted to work with our local GAA club on this initiative.”

To find out more information, request an appointment, or to speak to an expert, please call your local Specsavers team or visit www.specsavers.ie.