First All Stars Féile of 2026 Takes Place

As a follow on from our successful Dublin GAA Féiles in 2025, Variety Ireland in partnership with the Dublin GAA and supported by the HSE, have just completed our first Dublin GAA All-Stars Féile for 2026.

This month we teamed up with Round Towers GAA in Clondalkin, where children and their families from over 32 different GAA clubs in Dublin came along to the DDLETB Centre in Collinstown Park, in Dublin for an afternoon of sport, cycling and fun.

The Variety Ireland, Dublin GAA Féiles which are supported by the HSE, brings together children of all abilities from across the county, where they got to participate in Gaelic games in a spirit of fun, friendship, and community.

Thanks to Helen, Jimmy and her wonderful team at the DDLETB Centre along with over 50 magnificent volunteers from Round Towers GAA, children with additional needs and their families got to experience a real sense of inclusion as they played indoor games and got to experience cycling on a range of special mobility bikes on Variety Ireland’s Cycling Inclusion Track at the DDLETB centre.

The fabulous Community Garda Síochána team from Ronanstown not only joined in the afternoon games with the children and their parents, but were also on hand to control the traffic at this large event.

Owen Mooney who is Learning & Games Development Co-ordinator at Dublin GAA commented “We’re absolutely delighted to be part of something truly special here today. Today is all about inclusion, fun, and the spirit of Gaelic games — bringing together children and adults with additional needs for an afternoon of sport, friendship, and community. Inclusive sport is a cornerstone of what we believe in at Dublin GAA. Events like this help us achieve our mission – to make Gaelic games accessible and enjoyable for every child, regardless of ability. We’re especially proud to partner with Variety Ireland, a children’s charity that has been doing remarkable work supporting families and individuals with additional needs across the island of Ireland for 75 years. It’s amazing to see so many Dublin GAA clubs, parents, siblings, and players coming together under one banner — celebrating sport, inclusion, and equality. It’s all about happy faces, shared moments, and the belief that equality and inclusion aren’t just ideas — they’re at the heart of everything we do. Variety Ireland and Dublin GAA share the same values — promoting inclusion, opportunity, and community through sport. We’re really looking forward to continuing our strong partnership with Variety Ireland as we bring the All-Star Féile for All to even more communities across Dublin in 2026”.

Spokesperson for Variety – the Children’s Charity Ireland, Kevin O’Brien, said “For the past 75 years, our charity continues to help families with children that have additional needs from across the disability spectrum on the island of Ireland. Thanks to the kind support of the HSE, we help children in the areas of mobility, education and well-being. Everyone knows the benefits and impact that sports activities can have for children with additional needs. It’s essential to bring together so many GAA Clubs across Dublin today who have teams that may or want to support children with additional needs. It ensures inclusion for these wonderful children, We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the Dublin GAA and the fabulous staff at Round Towers GAA Club to yet again bring together members from 32 local GAA Special Needs teams from clubs across Dublin. The sense of joy, inclusion and fun was immense and as a charity that caters for children from across the disability spectrum, we are delighted to partner with the Dublin GAA and the HSE for such an important programme”

Such is the success of our Dublin GAA All-Stars Féiles, Variety Ireland is busy planning its next All-Star Féiles for 2006 which will also see us teaming up with Dublin and other GAA Clubs across the island of Ireland in 2026. Watch this space for more guaranteed afternoons of smiles, fun and inclusion for children with additional needs.

The atmosphere throughout the day is electric. Families, volunteers, and supporters line the sidelines, cheering on every score, tackle, and effort with equal enthusiasm. What makes the Variety Ireland GAA Féile particularly special is its inclusivity. Children who may not typically have access to organised sport are given a platform where they feel valued and celebrated. The event showcases the true spirit of the GAA—community, respect, and belonging—while adapting it to meet the needs of all participants.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the Féile. From organising matches and guiding teams, to providing refreshments and support –  their dedication ensures the day runs smoothly. Many volunteers return year after year, drawn by the unique sense of joy and fulfilment the event provides. Their efforts, combined with the support of Variety Ireland, create an environment where every child can shine.

In addition to the games themselves, the Féile often includes music, entertainment, and opportunities for social interaction, making it a full day of celebration. For many families, it is not just a sporting event but a highlight of the year—a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and build lasting memories.

The setting at Round Towers GAA Club adds to the event’s charm. As a well-established and respected club in Dublin, it provides excellent facilities and a strong sense of local community support. The partnership between the club and Variety Ireland highlights how collaboration can create meaningful impact.

Ultimately, the Variety Ireland GAA Féile is about more than sport. It is about inclusion, empowerment, and joy. It demonstrates how communities can come together to ensure every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate, belong, and be celebrated.

Variety Ireland, Dublin GAA and the HSE, believe  GAA Féiles are important because they create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities to participate in Gaelic games, building confidence, community, and a sense of belonging.