A documentary telling the remarkable story of how 40 GAA players travelled to Uganda to plant one million trees and share the power of sport across cultures will air on TG4 this Sunday evening.
Titled ‘Cluichí Plant the Planet – GAA in Uganda’ will air at 6.15pm this Sunday, March 29. The documentary shines a light on the Plant the Planet Games project founded by former Galway GAA footballer and humanitarian Alan Kerins.
In November 2025, 50 inter-county GAA players travelled to Uganda for a week-long tour to help raise funds to plant one million trees. The initiative formed part of Kerins inspirational project. Kerins’ vision for the Plant the Planet Games is to use the influence of sport to unite people across continents while tackling some of the most urgent challenges facing the planet.
“What started as a small idea has grown into something really special,” said Kerins.
Cluichí Plant the Planet – GAA in Uganda reveals how a sport born in Ireland continues to travel the world, bringing people together in the most unexpected places. It shows how the spirit of the GAA can inspire communities far beyond its traditional heartlands and how athletes can use their platform to drive meaningful change. The funds raised through the tour are being used to plant one million trees across Africa. These trees are not only vital in tackling climate change, but they also provide sustainable income and long-term security for local families, helping communities build resilience for generations to come.
“Seeing what we have achieved together is amazing: over €4 million raised and more than 4 million trees planted, helping create real, sustainable change for communities on the ground.
“For me, it has never just been about the numbers. It is about the people, the connections, the shared experiences, and the legacy we are leaving behind. We are very proud and grateful to our wonderful players and partners. It is a real team effort,” Kearns added.
Cameras followed the visiting players as they travel across Uganda, discovering how deeply Gaelic Games have taken root in local communities and witnessing the excitement of young players experiencing the sports for the first time. One part of the documentary shows an inspiring cultural exchange centred on Simba Wolfhounds, the first officially recognised GAA club on the African continent.
One of the most historic moments of the journey comes with the opening of the first-ever handball alley in the country, built with the support of the visiting players and partner charities. The sport was introduced to more than 1,000 schoolchildren, many of whom were encountering Gaelic Games for the very first time.
The documentary offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access as the group of players, representing Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and ladies football immerse themselves fully in life in Uganda. At Empower Academy, the players take part in a series of memorable matches such as a challenge hurling game, followed by a ladies’ football fixture against a fully selected Ugandan side. The tour culminates with a men’s match that brings together Irish players and a Ugandan selection.
But some of the most memorable scenes happen away from the pitch. Players visit Help Primary School, where the new handball facility was built, spending time with students through games, music, song and dance. They plant trees along the banks of the iconic River Nile and meet local families whose livelihoods will benefit directly from the environmental initiative.
Throughout the week, the documentary captures moments of genuine connection, children learning new games, players discovering local traditions, and communities coming together through music, and sport. One particularly unforgettable moment sees the Irish players take part in training with local athletes, experiencing first-hand the extraordinary running culture that has made east Africa famous on the world stage.
Cluichí Plant the Planet – GAA in Uganda airs on TG4 on Sunday, March 29 at 6.15pm.
