SSE Airtricity League side Shelbourne have launched a mental health awareness campaign having experienced tragic deaths within the club’s fanbase in recent years. A new t-shirt designed by Dublin designer and Shels supporter Zoe Redmond leads the c
SSE Airtricity League side Shelbourne have launched a mental health awareness campaign having experienced tragic deaths within the club’s fanbase in recent years.
A new t-shirt designed by Dublin designer and Shels supporter Zoe Redmond leads the campaign with proceeds going to fund mental health services within the Shelbourne FC community.
Former coach and club member David O’Connor is also embarking on an astonishing 100 kilometre run within St Anne’s Park in Raheny, Dublin on Saturday, June 20 raising funds for Aware.
The club tragically lost two young men from the fanbase on the same night in February 2018 in two separate deaths by suicide.
Paul Curran, a dear friend of Zoe, and Brian Murphy have both been deeply missed from the club since. The collaboration with Zoe, is another fine example of the many talented volunteers we have at the club, without whom we'd be lost in such uncertain times.
One of the many effects of the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis is the severe mental health-related issues around the country. In March and April of this year, 17% of patients admitted to the National Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital had sustained injuries in a suicide attempt compared to one per cent in the same period last year.
The Shelbourne scarf is designed in a throw to the mental health ribbon with the phrase, Mind Yourself, a simple message to look after the most fragile part of everyone, your mind.
The club encourages everyone to share their thoughts when feeling low with a reminder that a conversation, even at Tolka Park on match night, could save your life.
Shelbourne FC has also began work with mental health advocate Danny Miele, the Innovation Coach, who has worked throughout the club in working on mental issues with players and staff.
The club has also teamed up with Suimhneas Clubhouse, a great mental health service in Raheny, and we look forward to working with the staff and service users there once football kicks off once again.
Shelbourne FC CEO, Dave O’Connor, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this initiative today. I'd like to extend a massive thank you to Zoe Redmond for designing the t-shirt.
“The mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved with Shelbourne Football Club is at the centre of our thoughts, particularly in these testing times.
“The tragic loss of two of our fans in 2018 highlights the importance of promoting and supporting the mental health needs of everyone associated with Shelbourne.
“We are also very proud of the incredible work that David O’Connor has done over the course of the past few years and we will be supporting him 100% in his latest run this Saturday in St Anne’s Park.”
