The GAA has relaunched its Off-the-Booze and On-the-Ball initiative under the association’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme – a joint venture with the HSE that aims to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other substances.

The new campaign begins next month when all GAA clubs are asked to find participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January, and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards club activities.

GAA president Liam O’Neill is among the first to commit to the new campaign: “It was encouraging to see the take up by clubs of the challenge last year,” he said, “and that ultimately highlighted the important role an increase in physical activity and a responsible reduction in alcohol consumption can have on an individual and their club as a whole”.

Individuals and panel members can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asapwhere they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. Clubs are also encouraged to run a health-related activity on the last weekend of January.