The Movember Foundation has partnered up with the GAA and the GPA to raise awareness of men’s health. As Movember Ambassadors, and as part of this partnership, Laois Footballer and former AFL star, Colm Begley, Dublin hurler and All-Star Nominee, Mark Schutte and Fermanagh full back Tiarnan Daly are urging every GAA club across the country to register for the cause this year.
When it comes to their health, too often, Irish men don’t talk, don’t take action and die too young.
The aim of this partnership is to encourage Irish men to talk about these issues in a comfortable environment, and where are Irish men most comfortable; standing pitch side, in the dressing room, or in the bar of their local GAA club.
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Ireland, effecting 1 in 8 Irishmen, while testicular cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in 15-40 year old men. These diseases have affected every club in Ireland, and by making GAA members nationwide aware of the health issues that men face and by educating them, they can make a real difference.
Speaking about the partnership, GAA Director General, Paraic Duffy said, “We are delighted to partner with the Movember Foundation for 2015, and we look forward to welcoming them to Croke Park for the International Rules Test against Australia on November 21st. Our AFL counterparts have had a long association with Movember, and we may see some fine moustaches by match night.
Paraic continued, “The health and well-being of our members is of huge importance to the GAA. There is no club in the country that hasn’t been affected by cancer, and with Movember tackling some of the biggest health issues, we believe that this is a great cause for our association to support. Movember has brought communities together for a number of years by growing moustaches for the month of November as a team, be it in work, college or with friends from home. We are now urging GAA clubs around the country to set up their own team, and help raise awareness and funds for these important causes.”
Movember founder, Justin Coghlan, who was in Dublin for this announcement, said, “Like the GAA, Movember is all about community and positive change. Working with the GAA we hope to create awareness of the health issues men face and help Irish men to live longer, happier and healthier lives.”
