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.”
