Shelbourne Football Club has today 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 kilometer 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.
One of the many effects of the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis is the severe mental health-related issues around the country.
Many people have lost loved ones, their jobs, their livelihoods and place of residence and this campaign aims to remind everyone to Mind Yourself.
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 FC 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.
We encourage 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 been delighted to 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.
Shelbourne FC CEO, Dave O’Connor, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this initiative today. 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.”
The t-shirt is available now here
Zoe’s work can be found here
Aware information can be found here
