The Real Face of Men’s Health: 100 Days on - from conversation to collective action

On Tuesday 27th of January, Movember Ireland brought together more than 40 leaders from across the men’s health ecosystem for The Real Face of Men’s Health: 100 Days On - a partner convening, following the launch of The Real Face of Men’s Health Report late last year.

The landmark report revealed how men in Ireland engage with the health system and the devastating consequences of poor health, not only for men themselves, but also for families, carers, and communities. The breakfast event held last month looked beyond reflection on the momentum and progress generated in recent months, placing a clear emphasis on accelerating what comes next.

Collaboration is key

Held in Dublin, the event united NGOs, service providers, policymakers, advocates, and community partners alongside the Movember team. The message was clear from the outset: lasting progress in men’s health will be driven by collaboration.

The morning was expertly hosted by political correspondent and author Gavan Reilly, who guided a focused, future-looking discussion and helped draw out practical insight from across the room.

Year-round action, not just November

Movember Ireland Country Manager Sarah Ouellette opened the event by recognising the growing momentum behind men’s health in Ireland while reinforcing Movember’s commitment to year-round action, from policy and advocacy to community partnerships that meet men where they are.

That momentum was further reflected in a government address from Barry Heneghan TD, whose remarks signalled increasing political recognition that men’s health is not a marginal issue, but a national priority requiring sustained leadership.

Real progress since launch

Since the report’s launch, national focus on men’s health has strengthened, marked by the first statements on the issue in Dáil Éireann in recent years. Separately the government have also committed €2 million in funding for counselling and mental health supports, the appointment of an HSE National Programme Manager, and the inaugural meeting of the Healthy Ireland Men Implementation Group.

Attendees heard from Dr Noel Richardson, co-author of The Real Face of Men’s Health report and a global pioneer in men’s health research, who revisited the report’s key findings and reminded the room why the case for action is already firmly established.

What next in reaching men?

Looking ahead, a dynamic panel explored What Next in Reaching and Responding to Men? Bringing together diverse perspectives from policy, service delivery, sport, and lived experience. Contributions from Amy O’Connor (Movember), Helen Forristal (Marie Keating Foundation), Tom Parsons (Gaelic Players Association), and testicular cancer survivor Michael Cowman reinforced a shared view: - partnership is no longer optional, it is essential.

Across the discussion, a consistent theme emerged. Ireland has made meaningful progress, but the greatest opportunity now lies in aligning efforts, strengthening connections, and scaling what works.

Driving change

At Movember, convening moments like this is central to how we drive change. Because improving men’s health is bigger than any single organisation - it requires shared ambition and coordinated action.

One hundred days on from the report’s launch, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Momentum is building across the sector.

Showcasing the impact

We’re excited to build on this momentum through the development of a creative video content piece that will showcase the impactful work happening across the sector and highlight the programmes driving change for men’s health in Ireland.

We also look forward to continuing to bring partners organisations together for future convenings focused on specific and emerging issues, including fatherhood and online harms, areas where research is ongoing and where collaboration will be critical to shaping effective responses.

Now, together, we turn that momentum into impact - helping more men live healthier, longer lives.