The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Age Friendly Ireland have unveiled a new national partnership focused on making GAA stadiums, clubs and match day experiences more accessible and welcoming for older people and individuals with disabilities.

As part of this initiative, Roscommon’s King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park is proud to be one of the county grounds across all four provinces selected to participate in an accessibility improvement programme. The walkability initiative aims to identify opportunities to enhance accessibility, safety and comfort for people of all ages using the stadium.

An Age Friendly Walkability Audit took place in King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon, last Thursday (April 16th), attended by representatives from Roscommon’s Older People’s Council, Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Roscommon along with members of the public of varying ages and abilities.

Members of Roscommon’s An Garda Siochana together with officials of Roscommon GAA County Board and ground staff of King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park were also in attendance to lend their support to this exciting new initiative.

Also present at the launch was Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador, supported by staff from Roscommon County Council and Age Friendly Ireland, as well as representatives from Roscommon LEADER Partnership.

Speaking following the Walkability Audit, Paddy Joe Burke, said he wasdelighted to be present, in his role as Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador, adding: “Roscommon GAA in collaboration with Croke Park, Roscommon County Council and Age Friendly Ireland are doing amazing work in The Hyde Park GAA Stadium, Roscommon.

“All of the participating organisations are endeavouring to improve accessibility for older people and anyone with any kind of disability, to enhance their enjoyment of our GAA games. Going forward, when they come to our great Stadium, they will be able to see the matches from all angles which will make it easier and more comfortable for all to enjoy our games.

“Accessibility and access is very important and Roscommon’s Age Friendly Programme and Roscommon GAA are doing tremendous work on this. Dr. Hyde Park is going to be one of the greatest stadiums in the country, where everyone can come and enjoy our great games on display.”

Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council and Chairperson of Roscommon County Council’s Age Friendly Alliance said the delivery of a walkability audit at Dr Hyde Park “meant a great deal to Roscommon County Council and the people it serves.

“Having spaces that are truly accessible to everyone, especially our older people, it’s a practical step towards delivering on Roscommon’s Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2030. It’s about making sure one of the county’s most cherished places can be enjoyed with ease and confidence by everyone, whether they’re lifelong supporters, families coming to a match or older members of our community.

Creating spaces that are safe, welcoming and comfortable for all ages and abilities is at the heart of what we do. The voices of older people, people with disabilities and our partner organisations are central to this Walkability Audit. Their input will help improve the experience for all who walk through the gates of Dr Hyde Park, a place that means so much to Roscommon people.”

Chairperson of Roscommon GAA County Board Thomas Murray hailed the new initiative as a significant initiative, promoting health, safety and wellbeing across all communities in county Roscommon.

“The Age Friendly Walkability initiative at King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park is an important step in ensuring that our grounds remain a welcoming space for everyone in our community. Roscommon GAA is proud to support a project that promotes safety, accessibility and wellbeing for older people, who are the backbone of our clubs and our county.

“This work reflects our commitment to making Dr. Hyde Park not just a venue for games, but a place where people of all ages can stay active, connected and included. We look forward to building on this progress and continuing to make our facilities accessible and available to everyone.”

In support of this work, Roscommon GAA, in collaboration with Roscommon County Council, is inviting members of the public to share their experiences of visiting King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park. The public’s feedback will play an important role in identifying opportunities to enhance accessibility and improve the overall visitor experience at the stadium.

Whether one attends matches regularly or have visited only once, the perspective of everyone matters. All insights provided will be carefully considered as part of ongoing efforts to make King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park as inclusive and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Please use the QR code on the campaign poster or email agefriendly@roscommoncoco.ie if you would like a printable version.