Supporting Youth Mental Health

Shannon Airport has joined ranks with Munster Rugby ahead of this weekend’s semi-final clash with Clermont Auvergne to raise the flag for young people’s mental health.

In an airport initiative, officially backed and supported by Munster, red wristbands embossed with the motto ‘Believe’ will be available to purchase for €;2 each.

The proceeds from the sale of the wristbands will go directly to Jigsaw (www.jigsaw.ie), a free and confidential support service for young people aged 12 – 25. The nationwide Jigsaw network is supported by Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Shannon Airport Director Mary Considine said that the idea to combine with Munster on the mental health issue arose initially from the airport’s desire to do something to show its support for the province this weekend. “We have been fortunate at Shannon airport to have enjoyed so many great Munster homecomings over the years and just wanted to do something to show our support for them this weekend."

“The wristbands idea came very quickly to us as fans travelling through the airport could show their support for the team by wearing them and make a charitable donation in the process. We chose the word ‘Believe’ for the wristband as it has become something of an unofficial motto for Munster this year. The fit with that motto and mental health issues is obvious and the fact that Jigsaw is one of Munster’s designated charities made them the perfect choice for the proceeds.”

Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby Chief Executive said: “Shannon Airport has been extremely supportive of Munster over the years and we are delighted to get behind this initiative. Jigsaw does incredible work in the area of youth mental health and we would ask fans going through the airport at the weekend to get fully behind this.”

Jigsaw Kerry Project Manager Aidan Murphy said that the gesture by Shannon Airport and Munster Rugby is most welcome. “Every euro donated enables us to provide support for young people. We appreciate this is an extremely busy time for Munster and, indeed, Shannon and are delighted that they are doing this on our behalf."

“Munster typifies what can be achieved with positive thinking. Time and time again over the years they have lifted all our hearts and here’s hoping that they will do the same on Saturday. In the meantime we are grateful to them for their ongoing support and, indeed, to Shannon Airport for coming up with this initiative.”