Limerick hurling star Dan Morrissey urges GAA clubs to break the silence on mental health

LIMERICK hurling star Dan Morrissey was present as the GAA and GPA alongside Movember, launched the second phase of the Movember Ahead of the Game 2025 programme directly addressing the critical issue of mental fitness and resilience within Irish society.

Ahane clubman Morrisey was joined by fellow inter-county stars John Maher (Galway), Anton Tohill (Derry) and Saoirse McCarthy (Cork) for the launch.

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Delivered through local GAA clubs in Limerick by facilitator Conor Bohane, Movember Ahead of the Game 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. 

Now in its second year, Movember Ahead of the Game has already made a lasting impact on communities across Limerick.  

“As a facilitator, I see first-hand how much this programme means to young players, parents, and coaches in Limerick. It opens up conversations that might never have happened otherwise", Bohane said. 

President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns is delighted that the organisation can partner with Movember and the GPA again. “The GAA is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of our players, and we are proud to continue our partnership with Movember and the GPA in the Movember Ahead of the Game programme.

"Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, and by encouraging open conversations and providing support, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our players", he said. 

Research shows that 6 out of 15 men have never spoken about their mental health. Movember, the GAA and GPA are calling on clubs across the country to ‘break the silence’ and don’t 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 Limerick. Players, parents and coaches from various clubs in Limerick have participated in the programme in its first two years.