GAA player bravely speaks out over battle with depression

Cavan goalkeeper Alan O’Mara has courageously spoken over his battle with depression that lead him to contemplate taking his own life.

By Declan Whooley

In a frank and moving interview with The Irish Independent, the 22 year-old inter-county player said that he was only rescued from suicidal thoughts from the visualisation of his own parents at his funeral.

The goalkeeper, who missed the victory over Armagh last week has spoken out in an effort to lift the lid on a subject that has been a taboo subject for so long, more over in competitive sport.

Recent figures show that 10 people die by suicide in Ireland every week, eight of whom are men and the recent ‘Mind our Men’ campaign has been given the backing of Dublin GAA. Carlow have already demonstrated their awareness of the subject with their jersey and now O’Mara has shed light on his own battle to help others in the same situation.

A return journey to Cavan after a challenge game in 2011 marked the low point of his depression.

“I am simply staring into space and thinking about how I've just played the majority of a challenge match with tears in the back of my eyes,” he said about that particular journey. “The concrete wall to my right looks so appealing. How easy it would be just to swerve into it and finish it all. The voice whispers in my ear, 'Will anybody even care if I do it?’”

He said that only the thoughts of his parents attending his funeral prevented him from taking drastic action before he enlisted the help of the GPA and got counselling to tackle the issue.

“The key thing for anyone who is feeling depressed is to always remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you ever get to where you are struggling to see it, like I did, then that is the moment to reach out for help.”

The GAA and GPA have both praised O’Mara for being strong enough to go public on the issue in an effort to help others.

“If it makes a difference to the life of one other person, it will be a worthwhile exercise,” said Alan Milton, the GAA's head of media relations.

Enormous credit is due to the Cavan man and his stance could have a strong impact on young Irish men here who are suffering from the same issues he did.