'Let's do the right thing and look after each other'

AWARENESS Ballinabrackey GAA Club welcomed former Limerick hurler, Ciarán Carey of ‘My Move Counselling’ to discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health

Ballinabrackey GAA hosted their first mental health and addiction awareness evening at their club grounds last Friday.

A large attendance gathered to discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health in hopes that they can create a safe space for people in the community to ask for help when needed.

Club members, Chris O’Connor and Kevin Coyne were the driving force behind this information evening and with the help of the clubs committee it was a successful and informative event.

The Bracks welcomed former Limerick hurler, Ciarán Carey of 'My Move Counselling' to speak on the night.

Mr Carey has been working as a counsellor for many years and as a former addict himself, he had valuable information to share with the crowd as did his colleague Joanne.

He spoke about his experiences helping people with substance and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression and more.

He mentioned that “cocaine has now passed out cigarettes and nicotine by a country mile” as far as addiction goes.

Mr Carey said: “In 2015, when I was managing Patrickswell in Limerick, it was brought to my attention that cocaine was in the squad.

“I knew that in a squad of about 50, there were half a dozen dabbling in it and as a manager, I felt duty bound to do something about it.

“So, I met them all individually. Four of them sought help and the other two weren't ready. They said: ‘It's not that bad, sure it’s only on the weekends’.

“A few years on, I spoke to another man. He was in a different club and I asked him, ‘Are you sure you’re not the only one using this drug?’.

“He said to me, ‘Ciarán, we have a squad of 23 and there are three people who aren't.”

Ballinabrackey club member, Dean Coyne also spoke at the event and bravely shared his own personal story surrounding mental health and drug addiction.

Dean and his family played a vital role in getting the event off the ground.

The Coyne’s lost their son, brother, father and friend Barry recently so are encouraging everyone in the community to speak about their problems no matter how big or small.

Dean said: “There is a stigma around mental health and addiction where people feel like they shouldn't talk about it, men especially. But no one can do it alone.

“I tried to get through my addiction alone but I was just going around in circles. Every day was a challenge, it was just another day in hell for me.

“I’d wake up and wonder where I was going to get it, how I was going to get it, what I would have to do to get it, just to feed my addiction.

“It got to a stage where I thought about suicide because I just couldn't go another day feeling the way I did. But the best thing I ever did was put my hand out to my family and ask for help.

“I am just so thankful for my family and for all of their support because I wouldn't have gotten through it without them.”

Dean captured everyone's attention as he told his story.

His friends, family, teammates and members of the close-knit community are beyond proud of his strength and dedication in trying to combat the stigma behind mental health and addiction.

The My Move Counselling team opened the floor to the Ballinabrackey community and allowed them to ask any questions they may have to which many did.

Mr Carey said he had never seen a crowd like the one that gathered at The Boyne Park in Ballinabrackey for the night.

He said: “The group here tonight shows the character of the club. Of all the presentations we’ve done up to now, this is the biggest crowd we’ve seen by far.”

It was a truly special evening for the Ballinabrackey community and they hope to host more in the near future.

The night was concluded with a few quick words from Chris O’Connor who said: “Let's try and change our habits, let’s do the right thing and look after each other.”