IRISH SPORTS AND YOUTUBE STARS OPEN UP TO SUPPORT YOUNG MEN

Influential stars from across the country are taking part in two new video series from Movember Ireland to encourage young men to have more open conversations with their mates.

In a collaboration with JOE media, eight GAA players are ‘lightening their load’ by going rucking with a teammate. The players all carry heavy bags whilst hiking picturesque local trails, the whole time sharing what’s on their mind and having a proper catch up on life’s struggles. The first video launched on 7th November with Mayo stars Lee Keegan and Padraig O’Hora. In the video Keegan reflects on struggles he faced during his college days, saying: “I was a nervous student when it came to exams” and as an adult he “became a ‘yes man’ for everybody and found myself getting overwhelmed.”

Further videos set to be released throughout Movember will feature Dubliners Shane Carthy and Cormac Ryan, Offaly County player Niall MacNamee and former All-Star, All-Ireland Champion and Wicklow manager Oisin McConville.

Meanwhile, local YouTube and social media stars have taken their own creative approach to catching up with a mate with Cian Twomey taking a drive through Cork chatting with his with good friend Jared about the impact of his father’s death. Eoin Reardon of TikTok fame (@pintofplane) chose to fix up his old currach and go for a row with friend Gavin to chat about the pressure of planning for the future. Whilst Dara Tah immersed his best mate in a Zombie simulation to finally spend some much needed time catching up, and Rob Lipsett hit the gym with friend Ben. The videos all encourage young guys to reach out to a mate when times are tough and have been met with comments of appreciation from subscribers, with one saying ‘Great point about making sure to get together with the boys, that's something I am terrible about. Thanks for the inspiration’.

The series is informed by Movember research that shows young men aged 15 to 20, specifically those from a lower income background, experience poorer wellbeing, and significantly higher levels of psychological distress post pandemic. Through focus groups and workshops men told us when it comes to managing their emotions, they aren’t expressing how they feel, leading to a build-up of feelings that are hard to manage alone and can have a long-term impact on their mental health.

Combined, our YouTubers, JOE.ie and the GAA players have a staggering reach to young men, and we know from previous work this project can positively impact the lives of others through leading by example, and letting viewers see their more vulnerable side. We look forward to sharing more and please do pass this content on!