By Michelle Crean

Dr Crokes is one of four GAA clubs nationally to be selected for a new project to help older people and the launch takes place tonight (Monday).

The GAA and ALONE, the national charity that helps older people to age at home, are rolling out the pilot programme in four rural and four urban clubs nationwide.

The Kerry event will take place in Dr Crokes Clubhouse from 7.30pm to 8.30pm followed by light refreshments. There'll be an opportunity to chat and discuss issues with three members of ALONE including Stefan the technician, who will demonstrate the many uses of Alexa particularly for those aged 60+.

“Dr Crokes are delighted and proud to support the ALONE project in the Killarney area," Matt O’Neill, Chairman of Dr Crokes, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It is a perfect fit for a community-based organisation like the GAA. Dr Crokes’ Healthy Club initiative has looked to provide healthy and inclusive projects both for members and the broader Killarney and environs’ community, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, gambling addiction and our regular Tuesday ‘Gentle Fitness' programme for the 60 plus age group. We are excited with the GAA opportunity to broaden our scope to include the ALONE project, which is a superb initiative that assists our more senior neighbours and friends to live an independent life in their own homes."

ALONE CEO, Seán Moynihan added that they are "delighted to be partnering with Dr Crokes GAA Killarney" to expand their network of supports into Killarney and Kerry.

"We know the pivotal role that GAA clubs play in their local community not just from a sporting point of view but from a cultural, social and economic perspective as well. Ireland’s over-65 population is going to hit one million in the next 10 years and it is vital that community organisations like Dr Crokes GAA are at the centre of how we support this increasing population. Our aim is to support the older person to age at home as independently and comfortably as possible.”

ALONE has an arrangement with a company which provides a range of supporting aids for older people and these can be purchased at discounted prices though the organisation.