A LOCAL GAA club is embarking on an ambitious fitness challenge later this month in a bid to raise awareness of the worsening and worrying mental health crisis in our society.

As a side effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a reported increase in men of all ages seeking mental health help to deal with loneliness, isolation and other factors.

Derrygonnelly Harps GFC is one of a number of organizations that have embraced ‘Movember’, gearing up for a cycle of 60,000 an hour in memory of 60 men who kill themselves every hour globally.

On Saturday 30 November, representatives of the senior men’s team will take part in the challenge, which aims to raise money to help the club’s mental health support services.

“Our adult players, along with the health and wellbeing committee, are organizing an event to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health,” a club spokesman told the Herald.

“On Saturday 30 November they will take part in a Move Challenge, completing 60,000 per hour on bikes in our new gym, remembering the 60 men who are killed by suicide globally every hour.

“This event will encourage us all to make sure we speak up and address it, to bring it into our everyday conversations,” they added.

The Harps Club also takes part in the ‘Movember’ mustache campaign, which is carried out by men around the world to show support for people living with mental illness locally.

“Our boys have shaved and are ready to grow their ‘Mo’ – no matter how long or short,” said a spokesperson for Derrygonnelly Harps GFC Health and Wellbeing.

“It’s a simple action that unites, gives purpose and starts conversations that can drive real change.”

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Posted: 2:22 pm November 22, 2024