The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland have once again teamed up with the GAA and GAA Cúl Camps to support the Healthy Ireland SunSmart campaign and encourage everyone to protect their skin and stay safe in the sun this summer.
The partnership will continue throughout summer 2026, with a strong focus on educating children, coaches, volunteers and families on the importance of being SunSmart while enjoying outdoor activities and sport.
As part of the continued partnership, GAA Cúl Camps coordinators and coaches will again receive SunSmart education and resources to help reinforce positive sun safety habits with children attending camps throughout the summer including:
- Delivering SunSmart education to approximately 7,000 coaches during our coach upskilling programme over the coming month.
- SunSmart messaging included within 1,300 Supervisor Booklets distributed nationwide.
- Text messages issued to approximately 130,000 parents/guardians reminding them to apply sunscreen to children attending camps.
- Posters on the SunSmart 5 S’s and the UV index distributed to all 1,300 camp venues.
- GAA players Damien Cahalane, Cork GAA hurling and Kerrie Finnegan, Dublin GAA Camogie have also recorded videos on the importance of being SunSmart this summer. Videos are available to watch here
The initiative aims to help children, families and communities enjoy all the benefits of outdoor activity while also understanding the importance of protecting their skin and reducing long-term health risks.
Press release which went out 17th June 2026 is available here.