MOVEMBER 2022: JOIN THE TACHE-FORCE AND BRING BACK THE IRISH MO - Because whatever you grow, will save a bro

LEADING men’s health organisation Movember is calling on everyone in Ireland to JOIN THE TACHE-FORCE this November to change the face of men's health.

The annual moustache-growing campaign – now in its 15th year in Ireland – raises awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

This year, Movember is asking Ireland’s Mo Bros and Mo Sisters to help bring back the ‘Crommeal’ - the original Irish Mo - sported by proud Irishmen over 500 years ago.[i]

Movember’s Country Director for Ireland Johnny Owens says: “Centuries ago the ‘Crommeal’ moustache was an important symbol of Irish identity and culture. It was viewed as being so potent and dangerous that the authorities even tried banning it. In 1457 you couldn’t even enter the city of Dublin if you were sporting a ‘tache.

“The ‘Crommeal has since been lost to history but today, thanks to the worldwide Movember community, the moustache has become the internationally recognised symbol for men’s health. In 2022, we’re asking our Mo community to help bring back the original Irish Mo and try growing a ‘Crommeal’ of their own.

“But if growing a Mo isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to support Movember such as running 60km during the month, hosting an event or ‘Mo-ing Your Own Way’ and coming up with your own challenge.”

Our dedicated TACHE-FORCE will is supported by TV presenter and podcaster James Kavanagh, TV presenter and Olympian Greg O’Shea and professional makeup artist and performer Pixie Woo, alongside members of the frontline emergency services.

Johnny adds: “By joining the TACHE-FORCE with your mates for Movember, you can demonstrate your support for men’s health, raise vital funds for men’s health projects, start conversations and save lives.”

Why JOIN THE TACHE-FORCE for Movember?

On average, men in Ireland will die 3.7 years earlier than women.

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged between 15 and 34 in Ireland. In total, 152 men were diagnosed with testicular cancer during 2019 in Ireland, almost three men per week.

In Ireland, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. 4,010 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, in Ireland, that’s 11 men per day. One in eight men in Ireland will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lifetime.

302 men died by suicide during 2021 in Ireland. More than 3 out of 4 deaths (76%) by suicide are by men. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged between 15 and 29 in Ireland.

Around 1 in every 8 people in Ireland know someone who was close to them that died by suicide.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES: 2022 initiatives:

Movember funds a range of men’s health projects in Ireland aimed at raising awareness, changing health behaviour, funding lifesaving research and building evidence for early intervention programmes:

The IPCOR (Irish Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry) is focused on improving outcomes for men living with prostate cancer. The registry is gathering data from Irish men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The data will be used to help improve quality of life for men at home and across the world.

The Hugs@Home project led by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland is aiming to train the families of first responders in how to spot potential mental health problems and improve communication.

Through the Social Connections Challenge, Movember is funding a program, delivered in partnership with Age Action, aimed at improving digital literacy and social connections in older men in rural locations in Ireland.

HOW TO JOIN THE TACHE-FORCE

Grow and Mo and Save a Bro – sign up or donate now at Movember.ie

Move for Movember - Commit to running or walking 60kms over the month. That’s 60kms for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world. You can join a team or run solo.

Host a Mo-ment - Rally a crew and do something fun. Hosting is all about having a good time for a good cause.

Mo Your Own Way - A choose-your-own-adventure challenge, epic in scope and scale. You make the rules. You set the limits and chase them down. Take a hike, run a relay, ride from Head to Head. Get creative, push your limits, and inspire donations with sheer grit.

TIPS TO GROW YOUR IRISH MO

Be prepared: Legend has it that the ‘Crommeal’ moustache was a long and flowing Walrus-style Mo - but embrace the moustache that nature gives you because whatever you grow will save a bro. 

Be brave: The first few days, even weeks, can be uncomfortable as your Mo takes shape. Ride it out to encourage donations. 

Ignore the itching: Remind yourself that men have endured worse in the past. You can stand a little face tickle. 

Shape your moustache: Get across all the proper grooming techniques. A great Mo comes down to great grooming. 

Nurture it and keep it clean: Look after your Mo, and your Mo will look after you.