Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GAA legend Oisin opens up on mental health & addiction
Mcconville backs awareness drive
All-ireland winner Oisin Mcconville has spoken of his struggles as he backed a campaign to promote mental health.
The former Armagh GAA star, who has struggled with gambling, said he came to support Darkness Into Light following his own battle with addiction.
He said this week: “I fell into addiction from 14 years of age.
“I really respect Darkness Into Light because it has captured the imagination of a lot of teenagers, as well as adults.
“The concept of DIL, getting up as a family unit that early in the morning, is something that chimes with so many people because everyone can do it.
“We can’t all run marathons or triathlons but it’s something everyone can be a part of and it’s a positive thing.”
Oisin said the Crossmaglen community has backed the Darkness Into Light initiative which is supported by Electric Ireland.
He added: “What helped me in my day-to-day recovery was nutrition, exercise and a good night’s sleep, and I think Darkness Into Light encompasses all of that.
“Then in terms of my own story, being in the depths of despair, depression, selfloathing and the breakdown of relationships - that was the darkness. Then the recovery, being able to see a different perspective - that was the light.
“I know we didn’t have a normal event last year because of Covid, but when we’ve had it before, Crossmaglen has really come behind it in incredible ways.”
Oisin is also aware it’s important for high-profile figures like him to speak up. He said: “Anything that takes that stigma away is important. I always celebrate it if someone who’s well known talks about their struggles.
“It was tough to talk about because, as far as this island is concerned, I hadn’t seen too many people talking about gambling addictions.
“I wrote a book about it and the response was 95% positive. People talked to me about being in the same situation and the first thing you realise is, ‘I’m not alone’. The second thing you realise is, ‘I’m having an impact on someone’s life’. “And it has a knock-on effect because it’s not just the person who has an issue with mental health or addiction that is affected, it’s all the people around them. So recovery for them as well.” Oisin’s story comes as the public is urged to sign up to a special DIL event on May 8. For One Sunrise Together organisers Pieta wants people to mark the event by walking, running, hiking, biking or just sharing their sunrise.
It’s hoped the activities will help shine a light on suicide and self-harm while raising vital funds for 17 partner charities in Northern Ireland, as well as DIL founding charity Pieta.