Brilliant Limerick full-back Dan Morrissey is an advocate of this month’s ‘Movember Ahead of the Game,’ an initiative between Movember (the leading men’s health charity), the GAA and GPA (Gaelic Players’ Association), aimed at addressing the critical issue of mental fitness and resilience within Irish society.
Research has revealed that six out of 15 men have never spoken about their mental health.
The movement is currently calling on clubs across the country to ‘break the silence’ and not let almost half their teams be silenced.
Now in its second year, ‘Movember Ahead of the Game’ has already made a lasting impact on communities across Ireland, including Limerick.
It has reached almost 9,500 young players, parents and coaches in all 32 counties, and teaches participants to understand mental health, build resilience and support one another both on and off the pitch.
This next phase aims to go even further, giving more clubs, more communities and more young people the tools to look after their mental wellbeing, just like they would their physical fitness.
The programme’s interactive, evidence-based approach ensures that mental fitness isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a key pillar of player development.
Mental health is part of the game. Whether you’re kicking points, coaching from the sideline or cheering from the stands, we all have a role to play in breaking the silence.
Speaking previously at a Samaritans event, Morrissey said that, while he appreciated the role sport and the GAA has played in his life, he has had to learn to take a step back sometimes.
“Hurling’s very important to me, it always will be, but I appreciate there are a lot bigger things in life as well,” he said.
Dan, along with Nickie Quaid, Mike Casey, Kyle Hayes, Adam English, Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch are nominated for All-Star Awards at the RDS, Dublin this Friday night.