Navan O'Mahony’s LGFA crowned National Winners of Lidl’s 2026 #SeriousSupport Mental Health Programme
Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) have officially crowned Navan O Mahony’s LGFA from County Meath as one of the national winning clubs for this year's Lidl #SeriousSupport Club Programme. The nationwide initiative celebrates outstanding LGFA clubs that went above and beyond to promote youth mental health and emotional wellbeing across their local communities.
Following months of dedicated participation, a total fund of €10,000 in financial support has been awarded across three distinct national categories. These categories include Best Overall Engagement, Most Innovative Initiative and Strongest Community Engagement. The champion clubs were chosen for setting an exceptional standard of commitment, public engagement, and creative wellness outreach throughout the initiative.
Meath’s Navan O'Mahony’s LGFA secured €2,500 in funding for their club for portraying the ‘Most Innovative Initiative’ throughout the programme after introducing creative, impactful, and original mental health activities tailored for young athletes.
Joining them in the national honours, Donegal's Gaeil Fhánada LGFA club took home ‘Best Community Engagement' and was awarded the top prize of €5,000 for achieving the highest level of overall programme participation and demonstrating sustained dedication across every stage of the initiative. Meanwhile Waterford’s Erin’s Own Sacred Heart LGFA claimed €2,500 for having the 'Strongest Community Engagement' throughout the programme.
To qualify for the national funding awards, participating clubs completed a comprehensive five-stage journey. By completing all required stages, participating clubs earned official Lidl #SeriousSupport accreditation along with a brand-new set of club jerseys, while being in with the chance of taking home one of the three top prizes.
Speaking on the announcement of this year's national winners, Eimear O Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director for Lidl Ireland, said:
"We are incredibly proud to celebrate this year’s #SeriousSupport club winners and we would like to thank all participating clubs for their exceptional dedication and inspiring contributions to this year's programme. At Lidl, we are proud to back all aspects of women in sport both on and off the pitch.
Team sport plays a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing, and seeing these clubs prioritise psychological health alongside athletic development shows exactly what can be achieved when communities come together to support our young female athletes."
Trina Murray, President of the LGFA, added:
"Our ongoing partnership with Lidl Ireland continues to deliver meaningful, life-changing mental health initiatives directly into local communities.
The #SeriousSupport Club Programme has clearly demonstrated the immense positive impact that LGFA clubs can have when mental wellbeing is prioritised at every level. The extraordinary standard set by this year's winning clubs highlights the dedication of our coaches, players, and volunteers in creating open, supportive environments where young athletes feel valued both on and off the pitch."
Following a decade of supporting the LGFA, Lidl Ireland announced earlier this year an extended partnership with the association through to 2030, backed by a fresh €7.5 million investment into the game. This brings the retailer’s total investment in the LGFA to €22.5 million since the partnership first began back in 2016.