Former Dublin GAA footballer Killian O'Gara is encouraging young players, parents and coaches in GAA clubs across Ireland to speak openly about their mental health after sharing his own experiences as part of Movember's Ahead Of The Game programme.
The programme helps build mental resilience through sport and aims to create environments where conversations about mental wellbeing are normal and supported.
Marking a milestone of more than 17,500 participants taking part in GAA clubs across Ireland, Killian and his brother Cathal speak openly about anxiety, the importance of seeking support and the impact that opening up can have.
Filmed at a local GAA pitch, the brothers reflect on the challenges they faced growing up and the advice they would give their teenage selves. They highlight the important role family, teammates and local clubs can play in supporting young men's mental wellbeing.
Cathal, who experienced chronic anxiety as a teenager, says returning to football was a turning point in his recovery.
"Don't be afraid of the dark days," he says, adding: "if I'd known then that, maybe I wouldn't have gone down the wrong road a few times... I nearly get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about how well I’m doing."
Killian admits he often kept his feelings to himself because he did not want to burden others.
"I'd tell my younger self to talk more," he says. His advice to young men is to "open up, talk to your friends, talk to your mam and dad. If I did that back then, things would be easier for me as I got older."
Killian and Cathal hope that by sharing their story, more young men will feel encouraged to ask for help and check in with friends who may be struggling.
Movember Ahead Of The Game provides practical mental health tools and resources for young players, parents and coaches. The programme helps sports clubs create supportive environments where people feel comfortable having conversations about mental wellbeing.
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Movember have partnered to deliver the initiative.
Movember Ahead Of The Game is a series of interactive workshops delivered by past and present intercounty players and members of the GPA. It is described as one of the most evidence-based youth sport mental health literacy programmes in the world, having undergone several large controlled trials.
The programme was first developed at the University of Wollongong in Australia and teaches young players, parents, coaches and volunteers how to better understand mental health, build resilience and deal with challenges both on and off the pitch.
Through the initiative, young players are given practical tools to build mental fitness, recognise mental health challenges and know who they can turn to for support.
It also aims to encourage help-seeking behaviours and normalise open conversations about mental health within sporting communities.
