All-Stars Féile Christmas Special Shines at O’Dwyers GAA Club

There were smiles all round recently as Variety Ireland, together with Dublin GAA and O’Dwyers GAA Club, hosted a magical All-Stars Féile – Christmas Special in the club’s brand-new state-of-the-art facility in Balbriggan. The event marked the second gathering in this growing Féile programme, which is designed to support and celebrate children and adults with additional needs through fun, inclusive activities both on and off the pitch.

Once again, the Féile welcomed a large number of clubs from across Dublin and further afield, with over 200 participants enjoying an afternoon filled with festive cheer, friendship and community spirit. As with all All-Stars events, the day ensured that every child — whether participating on the field or not — had a full programme of activities available to them.

O’Dwyers’ All-Stars Team — Inspired by Whitehall, Built by Community

Mairéad Hughes Green. O’Dwyers All-Stars Coordinator

The roots of O’Dwyers’ All-Stars team can be traced back to the powerful impact of the first Variety Ireland Féile held in Whitehall Colmcille earlier this year. After attending that landmark event, O’Dwyers representatives described it as “nothing short of incredible”. They returned to Balbriggan energised, moved and determined to bring the same sense of belonging to their own community. Within days, volunteers, coaches and families were meeting around tables, sketching out ideas and building a plan. Two weeks later, O’Dwyers’ All-Stars team was officially born — a testament to what can happen when inspiration meets community passion.

This inspirational link between clubs highlights the true power of the Féile programme — and the ripple effect an inclusive sporting event can create.

A Magical Christmas Experience for All

Set against the backdrop of O’Dwyers’ impressive new clubhouse and pitches, the All-Stars Féile Christmas Special offered a wide range of fun and festive activities for every age and ability. From the moment families arrived, the atmosphere was warm, buzzing and full of excitement.

Children were treated to:

• Carnival rides and games, including a pirate ship, sky diver, giant inflatables, soft-play areas and an arcade-style gaming zone

• A sensory bus, and dedicated quiet / low-stimulus rooms for children who needed a break

• A beautifully decorated Santa’s Grotto, complete with Santa and his festive team

• A charming Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, where children decorated their own gingerbread men

• A lively arts & crafts room bursting with colour and creativity

• A silent disco that brought movement, music and huge smiles

• Lego stations, giant games and football-themed inflatables across the club’s new pitches

• Face-painting, festive decorations and cheerful elves throughout

• Traditional Irish music and dancing, giving families a taste of céilí spirit and cultural celebration

On the pitch, fun football games and GAA-based activities gave children the chance to enjoy sport in a relaxed and supportive environment.

One of the standout figures on the day was Aoife Curran, Dublin LGFA player and O’Dwyers club star, who spent the entire afternoon playing alongside the All-Stars teams. Aoife’s warmth, encouragement and infectious energy made her an instant favourite with the children. She offered one-to-one advice, demonstrated kicking technique, and shared tips on shooting for points and goals — including how to strike cleanly off the inside of the foot.

Her presence embodied everything the All-Stars movement represents: belonging, empowerment, joy and possibility. Families and volunteers alike described her as “a superstar both on and off the field.”

Adding to the fun, Dublin GAA star Greg McEneaney joined the football activities — and was famously beaten several times in the penalty shootouts by some of the youngest All-Stars, much to everyone’s delight.

Past GAA Football legend and Dublin Coach Ger Lyons, summed the day up beautifully when he said it felt “like being part of the Late Late Toy Show.” The comment captured the magic of the atmosphere perfectly.

A Community Fuelled by Generosity

A key part of the event’s success came from the generosity of community partners.

Chicken With Attitude, a Vista Foods brand, kindly provided free hot chicken meals for all athletes, parents, siblings and supporters — ensuring everyone stayed warm, nourished and energised throughout the afternoon. Families and volunteers expressed immense gratitude for this gesture.

A special thank-you also goes to Santa’s Kingdom, who donated festive elf costumes, helping to bring even more colour and magic to the event.

And a big thank-you must also go to O’Dwyers’ club photographer, Luke Maher, for capturing incredible photographs throughout the day, and to Seán Mulholland, whose video work beautifully preserved the joy, energy and unforgettable moments of the event.

Words of Support and Celebration

Speaking at the event, Kevin O’Brien, Head of Operations at Variety Ireland, praised O’Dwyers and the wider Dublin GAA community for their commitment to creating inclusive sporting opportunities. He highlighted how meaningful days like this are for families, and how Variety Ireland — together with Dublin GAA — will continue to expand the All-Stars Féile programme on a national basis in 2026.

Looking Ahead

With two Féile events now completed — Whitehall Colmcille and O’Dwyers GAA — the momentum behind the Variety Ireland All-Stars Programme continues to grow. More Dublin clubs have already expressed interest in establishing their own All-Stars teams, following the inspiring example set by both host clubs.

In the words of Owen Mooney, Dublin Games & Learning Coordinator:

“Together, Variety Ireland and Dublin GAA are making Gaelic games a place for everyone.”