Breaking the silence on mental health

A Cork camogie star has helped launch the second phase of a programme directly addressing the issue of mental fitness and resilience within Irish society.

Movember Ahead of the Game 2025 was launched in Croke Park this week by campaign facilitator and Cork player Saoirse McCarthy.

Advocates John Maher (Galway), Dan Morrissey (Limerick) and Anton Tohill (Derry) were all on hand to support Saoirse at the launch of the mental health programme which teaches participants to understand mental health, build resilience, and support one another both on and off the pitch.

This year both Saoirse and Anton are facilitators on the nationwide programme which over the past two years has reached almost 9,500 young players, parents, and coaches in all 32 counties.

Research carried out by mental health and addiction service, Priory, shows that 6 out of 15 men have never spoken about their mental health.

As part of the Movember Ahead of the Game 2025 campaign, Movember, the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) are calling on clubs across the country to “break the silence”.

Movember Ahead of the Game 2025 facilitator and Cork camogie star, Saoirse McCarthy, said: “As a facilitator, I see first-hand how much this programme means to young players, parents, and coaches in Cork.

“It opens up conversations that might never have happened otherwise.

“Mental fitness is just as important as training drills or match tactics, and the impact it’s having in our community is something really special.”

To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit aheadofthegame.movember.com.