On Saturday, St. Michael's Gaelic Football Club in Cork missed out on a Division 2 county title by just one point, losing 1-8 - 1-7 to Carbery Rangers.
Well done to @CarberyRangers in today’s win and thanks to @CarrigalineGAA who hosted today’s final @RebelOg_ pic.twitter.com/d8wzZ4qIEZ
— St Michaels GFC (@StMichaelsCork) November 4, 2017
It's a galling defeat, and losing a final, especially at that stage of your career is as tough as it gets in sport. You know you'll never play with that team again, and you just didn't get over the line. It can be crushing.
But that's sport. And it's just sport. An Instagram post by one of the St. Michael's players put the whole thing into context over the weekend.
An Instagram post on Saturday from one of our Minor players following our defeat ... read it ,like it ,absorb it and share it. #perspective pic.twitter.com/tnyMdRsmMB
— St Michaels GFC (@StMichaelsCork) November 6, 2017
This is an unbelievably articulate and passionate display from a young man who shouldn't have to deal with these kinds of emotions so early in his life.
In Ireland, too many young people have to go through this. Young men and women are losing friends and family members on a daily basis. Depression and suicide has reached epidemic proportions in this country, and we need to get to the bottom of it, and stop this tragic trend.
Hopefully Ciaran's brave words for his friends will get to the right people, and the message will get through.
There's always someone to talk to, there's always a way out.
If you are having troubles, and need someone to talk to, here are some useful numbers. Find the one that's best for you.
Samaritans: 116 123
Childline: 1800 66 66 66 or Text "Talk" to 50101
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
