Courses
One day, one message: women’s health matters at Fit Féile event
Fit Féile at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) brought together healthcare professionals, educators and sporting organisations from across the Northwest to promote women’s health, wellbeing and community through expert talks and a G4M&O football blitz.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recently hosted Fit Féile, a one-day event designed to support and promote women’s health through a combination of education, physical activity, and community engagement.
The initiative brought together partners including the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others programme and St Eunan’s LGFA.
The event was led by the Department of Nursing and Healthcare with the concept initially developed by lecturer Elaine Walsh and brought to life in collaboration with a dedicated organising committee whose collective efforts were central to delivering the event. ATU Committee members included Dr Gail Cummins, Breda Mulgrew, Charlene Bogan, Dr Louise McBride and Michael Murphy with Catriona Carroll, Alan O’Connell and Kevin McGee from the St Eunan’s G4M&O management team.
Dr Louise McBride, Head of Department of Nursing and Healthcare, said the event was designed to provide women with practical knowledge and support.
Fit Féile is about sharing awareness around women’s health and wellbeing. When there is a lack of awareness or information, it can become a barrier. That’s why we’ve brought together expert speakers to share their wisdom and support women in looking after themselves.
Elaine Walsh, Lecturer in Nursing, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative:
“Fit Féile showcased the power of education and sport in promoting women’s health. The event was designed to inspire women to get involved, stay active, build confidence in their wellbeing and connect with the supports and services available to them.”
Expert speakers delivered insights across key areas of women’s health. Dr Sarah Brennan addressed menopause, including symptom recognition, access to and effectiveness of HRT and supporting women to manage their health. Sarah Toye, National Clinical Advisor with the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) explored mental health and wellbeing, highlighting the impact of stress, anxiety and depression, alongside the importance of lifestyle factors, reducing stigma and accessing support. Caroline Harrigan, Senior Pelvic Physiotherapist, focused on pelvic health, continence care and the role of pelvic floor exercises, while Neil Barrett, ATU lecturer in sport discussed the impact of menopause on bone health, mental wellbeing and the importance of resistance training in reducing long-term health risks.
Sarah Toye emphasised the importance of normalising mental health conversations:
“We all have mental health, but that doesn’t mean we have mental illness,” she said.
“It’s something that fluctuates, just like physical health. Normalising the conversation reduces stigma and helps people reach out for support when they need it.”
Alongside the expert talks, a highlight of the day was the Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others football blitz which saw strong participation and a vibrant sense of community. Teams representing Ardara, Convoy, Fanad, Glenswilly, Mac Cumhaills, Termon, St Eunan’s and ATU took part showcasing the spirit of participation and camaraderie central to the event. The Department’s first Gaelic for Mothers & Others team also made their debut on the field.
Feedback gathered on the day was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the quality and relevance of the talks and many expressing a strong interest in seeing Fit Féile become an annual event.
Michael Murphy, Head of Sport at ATU, sent a special message to the teams:
“Thank you to all the organisers involved for putting this event together. Fit Féile is hugely significant, highlighting the importance of women’s mental health while celebrating Gaelic sport. Events like this deserve to run every year.”
Fit Féile represents a first of its kind collaboration in the Northwest, combining healthcare, education and sport to empower women to prioritise their wellbeing. Organisers are hopeful the event will continue to grow in scope and impact in the coming years”.
Featured Image: Women take part in the Gaelic for Mothers & Others football blitz at Fit Féile, ATU, promoting health, wellbeing and community.
Photo Captions:
- Dr Louise McBride, Head of Department of Nursing and Healthcare at ATU, addressing participants on the importance of women’s health and wellbeing.
- Sarah Toye, National Clinical Advisor with the HSE, reflects that “we all have mental health, but that doesn’t mean we have mental illness.”
- Speakers at Fit Féile included Neil Barrett, Sarah Toye, Dr Sarah Brennan, and Caroline Harrigan.
- Participants take part in the Gaelic for Mothers & Others football blitz at Fit Féile promoting health, wellbeing, and community among women across the Northwest.
For more information, please contact jorden.mcmenamin@atu.ie / 074 918 6127.
