As part of a weekly feature we highlight a sporting cause which we believe should be brought to a wider audience for awareness and support.
We attended the Leinster event in the #TackleYourFeelings roadshow organised by IRUPA and supported by Zurich Insurance on Wednesday.
The room was packed with fans, friends and families of those who had been personally touched or were concerned about the impact of mental health problems.
Jack McGrath, Hannah Tyrell and Shane Jennings told their own powerful stories of impact and loss and TV’s Dr Eddie Murphy and Munster Rugby’s Marcus Horan were also aboard to help guide what became a very open and at times raw discussion.
Players of the stature of Devin Toner took their place on seats at the back of the room not through any sponsorship obligation but to fully engage in what is a massively important outreach to the rugby and wider sporting family.
“There needs to be an A&E for mental injury as well as physical” was one call from the floor.
There was barely controlled emotion as people shared stories of their own losses and you could not be but moved by the emotional impact of a problem which has too long been pushed to the shadows of society.
There are over 100 registered charities now pushing for a better approach to mental health. Doubtless they are all having an effect in changing perception. The Gaelic Players Association and others in sport are also doing great work in this area, especially with people like Conor Cusack spreading the word.
This week’s cause though is Tackle Your Feelings. There is a smart website with moving video content and interactive areas to highlight where we might see issues arising and act before they become as bad as they might.
Well done to all involved.
www.tackleyourfeelings.com
