The GAA and GPA alongside Movember, the leading men’s health charity, have 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.
Delivered through local GAA clubs by facilitator Saoirse McCarthy, 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.
Advocates John Maher (Galway), Dan Morrissey (Limerick) and Anton Tohill (Derry) were all on hand to support Saoirse at the launch of the mental health programme, in Croke Park – Saoirse and Anton are two of the facilitators on the nationwide programme.
OPENING UP CONVERSATIONS
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 Cork, with facilitator and Cork camogie star, Saoirse McCarthy noting that the programme ‘opens up conversations that might never have happened otherwise’.
“Mental fitness is just as important as training drills or match tactics – and the impact it’s having in our community is something really special,” she says.
This next phase aims to go even further, giving more clubs, more communities and more young people the tools to look after their mental wellbeing – just like they would their physical fitness. The programme’s interactive, evidence-based approach ensures that mental fitness isn’t just an afterthought – it’s a key pillar of player development.
Mental health is part of the game. Whether you’re kicking points, coaching from the sideline or cheering from the stands, we all have a role to play in breaking the silence.
For more information, visit aheadofthegame.movember.com/
