Committee: Rachel Foley, Ristéard Clancy, Brendan Connors, Sinéad O’Mara, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Collete Casey, Éamonn Fitzgerald. (Healthy Club Officer (HCO)

Contact Éamonn Fitzgerald, Healthy Club Officer fitzgeraldfam48@gmail.com | 087 6298606

Have your say in what Dr Crokes Healthy Club (DCHC) can and will organise, promoting & raising awareness of.

Health is Wealth in Dr Crokes Club!

Having achieved the Gold Standard, the highest Award attainable for Healthy Clubs in 2023, the successful work continued in 2024. DCHC supports the holistic health of its members and the community at large. See the plaques on the wall beside the kitchen. Informed by best national and international practice, DCHC aims to place physical, mental and emotional health as the focus for all age groups while integrating health into the day-to-day club activities in a practicable and sustainable way. It also aims to place the Crokes at the heart of the community, making it a beacon for health in the Killarney locality and further afield. Thus, wherever possible, HC activities and promotions are open to non-members. Everyone is welcome. Activities, lectures, and workshops are free to all. A healthy club is a healthy community.

Currently (2025), DCHC is working on several initiatives for submission to Croke Park by 31 July 2025, when all HCs will be re-assessed for Foundation, Silver, or Gold accreditation 2025-2027. Some of our 2023 projects are being renewed, and new initiatives are underway to secure the Gold Award for the next 2 years. All expenses incurred in DCHC programmes are funded from grants, etc., and we do not draw on general club funds. DCHC is very grateful to club members who have particular expertise in Health Issues and who willingly provide their expertise and experiences to deliver the projects. The social value of the friendly cuppa++ is central to the projects.

A sample of initiatives DCHC delivers includes the following:

  • Kathleen’s Gentle Mobility Exercises

    Mighty work by presenter Kathleen Fitzgerald. Míle buíochas duit. Also, to Maggie McAuliffe, Bridget Clarke, Rachel Foley & others for the welcome cuppa and chat. A hugely successful project. The weekly attendance is 35-40. Blocks of 6 weeks annually, except during holiday times. It is recommencing in Autumn 2025.

  • Flower Arranging sessions

    Doreen Brosnan led the way here, conducting the flower arranging and making of seasonal wreaths. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Doreen.

  • No Smoking + No Vaping

    The GAA’s No Smoking Policy was extended and officially signed off by the club executive to include No Vaping in our policy. Relevant and up-to-date signage is very visible in the clubhouse and throughout the grounds. The No Smoking & Vape Free Policy Statement is available on request.

  • Gone but not forgotten - Once a Croke, always a Croke.

    Christmas initiatives include juveniles creating Christmas cards for club members who have suffered bereavement during the year. Visits by DCHC members delivering the above. Also, keeping in contact with the Dr.Crokes’ Diaspora.

  • Lap of Light

    Co-ordinated by Brendan Connors.

  • Supporting those with Special Needs Crokes for All & Sport for All.

    Great work coordinated by Kevin & Karen Smyth. Also awareness for coaches in respect of players/members with Autism /ADHD/ Dyspraxia. Visual perceptual/visual motor deficit, etc.

How to be inclusive for all – Specific Health Awareness projects include:

  • Drugs addiction

    Separate sessions for targeted age groups of juveniles+ Parents/Carers etc

  • Gambling addiction

    With support from Gamblers Anonymous. Confidentiality respected.

  • Cancer in general specifically Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer.

    Prominent members of society telling of their own journey & how to develop coping skills to manage the challenges

  • ALONE but not Alone

    Working in conjunction with ALONE, the national organisation which keeps in contact with members who suffer from loneliness etc.. Confidentiality respected.

  • Webinars

    Dr Crokes HC is on the mailing list for the Department of Health, Kerry CC, HSE, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Prostate Cancer, Smoking & Vaping etc. Members are notified on social media with links to join the free Webinars on Zoom.