GAA boss O'Neill: We must teach boys the language of emotions, and redefine masculinity
The GAA has been speaking out about the importance of encouraging young boys to talk about their feelings.
President Liam O'Neill said we needed to redefine the concept of masculinity.
The association held a conference in Croke Park this afternoon to discuss child welfare in sport. Mental health was among the many topics that featured.
The GAA boss said boys must be taught from childhood that showing emotion is a sign of strength.
"We have to teach children - boys and girls - the language of emotions," he said. "We should teach boys to express themselves from day one, and show we value them from day one.
"We have to define a new (sense) of masculinity, a masculinity that doesn't depend on the old-fashioned values of brawn and old forms of manliness where you didn’t express your feelings."
