GAA President: Concept of masculinity needs to be redefined

Liam O'Neill has spoken of his concerns about the lessons being taught to young boys at a GAA information seminar on child welfare at Croke Park.

GAA President: Concept of masculinity needs to be redefined

Liam O'Neill has spoken of his concerns about the lessons being taught to young boys at a GAA information seminar on child welfare at Croke Park.

He feels the way boys are treated from a young age may be contributing to men's mental health issues in adulthood.

The GAA boss says it's important to start teaching young boys that they can express their feelings and show when they are upset, just as girls are.

“When a sliotar or a hurley or a foot hits a boy it hurts every bit as much as (it does) a little girl,” said O’Neill.

O’Neill’s beliefs are based on his experiences dealing with these issues in his own role with the GAA.

“I’ve been involved with a good bit of work at our mental health awareness section in Croke Park and our community,” said O’Neill, “where we are dealing with the symptoms of men in difficulty and men who can’t express their feelings.”

“It has become apparent to me,” he continued, “that it is impossible to ask someone who’s never expressed an emotion up to the age of 21 to start doing it then.”

more courts articles

Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van

More in this section

14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship 14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship
A general view of Cusack Park 22/6/2019 Dublin and Kildare make strong starts to Leinster MFC
Bobby Nugent 21/1/2024 Bobby Nugent snatches Roscommon a draw with defending Connacht U20 champions Sligo
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited