Limerick businessman launches unique new mental health campaign

A LIMERICK businessman has launched a campaign focused on the mental health challenges jockeys face.

Shane McCarthy, who hails from Granagh in west Limerick, has stablished the Grassroots Gazette, an online magazine aimed at the equestrian community.

As part of this, he has founded the first ever Equestrian Mental Health Week.

It kicked off on January 16, a day which has become known as Blue Monday, and concluded earlier this week.

The campaign is supported by Ireland’s biggest representative bodies and associations for jockeys, with its aim to address the unique mental health challenges faced by sportsmen and women in this field.

“The goal of the campaign is to get people talking, reaching out and asking ‘hey, how are ya?’ and taking the time to listen to the answer and see if they are OK,” explained Mr McCarthy, who was educated at University of Limerick and now lives in Castletroy.

“It really is important we have open dialogue like this across the equine industry. If you have a mental health issue, you are not weak. You are just dealing with something and need support.”

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A special video was launched to go with the campaign featuring a number of famous jockeys, including Rachel Blackmore, AP McCoy, Willie Mullins, Paul Townend, Nina Carberry and Caroline Miller.

Jockey Danny Mullins spoke of his own challenges.

“It is very important for people within our industry and the wider equine community to just be there for each other. The highs are so high but you’ve got to be able to deal with the lows as well. Two years ago I broke my neck in a fall in Limerick and I remember lying in the hospital looking at the ceiling for about three days. It did cross my mind what if this is it – and would I be able to ride again?”

Featured on the video, 20 time champion jockey AP McCoy said: “Check up on two or three of your friends and just ask ‘hey, how are ya?’ as everyone might not be ok. Someone may need to have a chat. You never know, you may have helped someone and to talk about the importance of mental health.”

Among the groups which committed support to the campaign were Horse Sport Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, Showjumping Ireland, Eventing Ireland and the Irish Field.