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06 Sept 2025

In pictures: Seán MacCumhaill's Heads Up - a mental health awareness event

A crowd of 180 people attended what was not only a night of shared experiences and hardship, but an informative, helpful event that brought a sense of hope and recovery to all who attended

Reporter:

Christopher Doherty

01 Oct 2024 9:11 PM

Email:

sport@donegallive.ie

Seán MacCumhaills GAA Club hosted ‘Heads Up’ a mental health awareness event on Friday night in Jackson’s Hotel. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Speakers at the Sean MacCumhaills Heads Up event on Friday night
A crowd of 180 people attended what was not only a night of shared experiences and hardship, but an informative, helpful event that brought a sense of hope and recovery to all who attended.
MC for the night was Brendan Devenney who introduced speakers and mastered the lineup of the night. Shane Carthy, former Dublin player, PIETA House Ambassador and Author of “Dark Blue” spoke first about his struggles with depression and how this impacted his life.
He was followed by former Tyrone player, All-Star and PIETA House Ambassador Ronan Mc Namee who also discussed his difficulties with depression and adding coping mechanisms he has introduced to aid his recovery. Eugene Duffy (SCAN) suicide crisis assessment nurse spoke about his role working with people who have suicidal ideation, symptoms of depression and various supports available.
Kevin Mills Donegal U20 Mentor and SafeTalk facilitator spoke about his experience working with communities affected by suicide and encouraged clubs to avail of free SafeTalk training available to all clubs.
Katy Herron, Donegal player and advocate for women in sport spoke about challenges she faced in her life and career. Katy is such an inspirational figure to all woman in sport and finished with an inspiring poem.
Andrea McGarvey from the Donegal Addiction service spoke about referral pathways to the addiction service and supports available to people/families affected by addiction.
Oisin Mc Conville, former Armagh player and All Star, pundit and gambling care.ie ambassador spoke about his issues with gambling and his ongoing recovery.
The final speaker was Jamsie Donnelly who’s a well known GAA figure within MacCumhaills and Donegal. He discussed importance of peer support and encouraged people struggling to reach out.
Carol Mc Cann, Health and Wellbeing officer, with the MacCumhaills club closed the event advising attendees not to let such an important night go in vain and encouraged the conversation about mental health and wellbeing.

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