Kerry confusion on the sidelines and HSE urge GAA not to ‘glamourise’ suicide

Confusion was still evident in the Kerry dugout yesterday while the HSE has urged the GAA not to ‘glamourise’ suicide by naming trophies after victims.

By Declan Whooley

Kerry play it safe over sideline confusion

While Kerry ended up with a facile victory over Waterford in the Munster semi-final yesterday, manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice had to do so with his selectors Mikey Sheehy and Diarmuid Murphy in the stand, despite GAA President Liam O’Neill stating at the weekend that selectors could take their place in the dugout.

Considering the Kingdom eventually won by 26 points, it is doubtful that Fitzmaurice needed too much assistance on the line, but the issue is likely to rumble on further in the championship. He told reporters that despite what O’Neill told the press, the Kerry County Board did not get official clearance and did not want to risk any possible sanctions.

Kerry chose Plan B in Killarney

“Despite what Liam O’Neill said in the paper on Saturday, we didn’t seem to have the clearance for the two lads so we had Plan B ready. Otherwise it was another cold war on the sideline,” he told The Examiner.

“I’d prefer to have my selectors on the sideline. There’s more subtlety to a conversation than through a dugout and over a wire. If Mikey Sheehy wants to say something to me it’s through Diarmuid Murphy to Cian O’Neill to me. That’s hardly right.”

Yesterday it wasn’t a major issue, but this will not be the last we hear about this issue over the summer months.

GAA urged not to ‘glamourise’ suicide

With suicide an increasing problem in this country, the GAA has done more than its fair share this season in particular to raise awareness over the serious subject. Many counties are displaying logos on their jerseys, while Cavan player Alan O’Mara spoke out over his own personal battles in recent years.

While this has given great exposure to a subject that needs more airtime, the HSE has urged caution to the suggestions that trophies and competitions could be named after suicide victims, or that special jerseys be created.

Carlow's attempt to address the issue

They have claimed that this could ‘glamourise’ suicide and be counter-productive to the measures that have already been taken by the Association.

“We don't recommend dedications at sporting events. Any activities that glamourise or glorify suicide may increase the likelihood of others also considering suicide,” the HSE guideline read.

As we said, at least the subject is getting the attention it badly deserves.