Croke Park hosts: A moment against silence

On Sunday 16th July at Croke Park Dublin, Movember, 2023 official charity partner of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), will host ‘A Moment Against Silence’.

Ahead of the ‘All-Ireland Football Semi Finals & Junior AIF Double Header’, Movember and the GAA will encourage fans to take a stance against silence to support conversations around mental health and tackle the stigma associated with getting help.

Movember, the world’s largest men’s health organisation, and ‘A Moment Against Silence’ aims to normalise the act of reaching out to others who may be going through tough times. 

Fans attending the All-Ireland Semi Finals, can play their part during a special ‘Moment Against Silence’ just before throw-in, when they’ll be urged to make as much noise as possible.

Group Country Manager for Movember Ireland, Sarah Ouellette, said;

“A minute’s silence is commonly used to show our respect and observe a loss or tragedy, however when it comes to mental wellbeing, silence is the last thing we need.

A Moment Against Silence aims to encourage people to reach out, speak up and make some noise.

In Ireland, suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged between 15 and 29. Talking about how you’re feeling is often seen as too hard to do – and at first it may not be easy. We need to remind everyone that staying silent isn’t the answer.

We want to encourage people to create their own Moments Against Silence, even if it’s as simple as sending a text to a mate. Together let’s prevent the next minute of silence by having a Moment Against Silence.”

Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy, said;

“Many of our players stimulated important national conversations about mental health by talking publicly about their experiences and highlighting the benefits they got from seeking help when they needed it.

We are acutely aware that too many clubs have been bereaved through the death by suicide of beloved members. The ‘Moment Against Silence’ is a powerful concept and we look forward to working with Movember over the course of our partnership to further tackle the stigma associated with help-seeking and support the mental health and wellbeing of our members.”

Movember, along with the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), pledge to work in partnership over the next year to support 10,000 young players, parents, and coaches in 200 GAA clubs to take part in Movember Ahead of the Game. More details of this unique partnership and programme will be issued in the coming weeks.

Movember Ahead of the Game teaches young players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life. 

There’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others.

Check out our mental health web page to learn more.