Gillian Fitzgerald Murphy
Midleton GAA Club
Gillian Fitzgerald Murphy is a passionate GAA supporter, a community leader and a dedicated parent to her son Gearoid who has autism. It was this combination of attributes that drove Gillian to ensure her son could #BeActive and included in their local Midleton GAA Club. Gillian has been a member of the club for over 35 years and an avid Cork GAA fan. With this and her role as a parent to a child with autism, she became aware and motivated to break down the barriers that exist in order for her son and others to #BeActive through GAA.
Gillian was the catalyst who ignited the conversation in Midleton GAA Club to become a community club for all children. She advocated that the club should support families in the local community who have children with disabilities and each child’s abilities should be celebrated. Since March 2019, Gillian has worked tirelessly with Cork Sports Partnership to drive the development of GAA For All in Cork. Not alone has Gillian created a place for her son to be included in his local GAA Club, she has also completed outstanding work to support over 26 other children with disabilities to become valued members of Midleton GAA Cub. Due to this phenomenal work, her son Gearoid and many other children are now proud players of the newly established ‘Midleton Magpies All Star’ Team.
#BeActive Award Nominee
Many of the successes in the development within Mildleton GAA were due to the approach to leading Gillian took. Gillian has been fully committed, has recruited a great group of people to support her, but most of all she always ensured people knew what was important and why they were doing it.
It was all done for the families and the children who once did not feel part of the club or community, and who now know they are integral and valued club members.
Gillian has been a true #BeActive Local Hero and Sport Ireland are delighted to recognise her as a deserving nominee for the European Union #BeActive Awards.