Duhallow Champions Men’s Wellbeing with Walking Football Launch and Men’s Health Week 2025 Events

Walking Football Kicks Off in Duhallow

Walking football is a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity in Ireland. Aimed primarily at the over 50’s it’s a fun way of staying active without demanding too much of the body. The social aspect of it also has tremendous benefits for the mind. Now, as part of the Rural Community Health Project, the opportunity has arisen for Walking Football to come to Duhallow.

Walking football differs from soccer, on which it is based, in some key areas. Walking football is a non-contact sport and, as the name suggests, players walk rather than run. This puts emphasis on the more technical aspects of the game such as control and picking out the right pass. The ball mustn’t go above head height, and games are usually played on smaller pitches, with smaller goals. Games are 5, 6 or 7 aside. If this sounds like something that you’d like to have a go at, well now is your chance.

Making this a reality has required the input of several organisations and groups. In addition to IRD Duhallow’s input, Age and Opportunity Ireland and the Cork Sports Partnership are supporting the roll out of the programme in Duhallow. Kanturk AFC have also kindly supported this initiative by allowing the use of their facility for this programme. All we are missing now, are the players!

In order for the programme to go ahead, we require a minimum number of players to register their interest. When that number is reached, we can progress to making plans for the exact date and times that the sessions will take place. The programme will be delivered once a week for 5 weeks, and thanks to Age and Opportunity, an experienced coach will be provided to train the players.

Walking Football is the first project undertaken under the banner of the IRD Duhallow Men’s Network, an initiative of the Rural Community Health Project targeting the challenges to mental wellbeing being faced by the men of our community. Walking football is a terrific way to get active and connect with friends, old and new, while doing something fun.

So why not give it a try? Register your interest today by texting your name and the words “walking football” to 087 811 7526, or email shane.mcHale@irdduhallow.com. Individuals and community groups are welcome to register their interest. Walking Football is open to both women and men, and while primarily aimed at the over 50’s, we won’t be checking birth certs!

Keep an eye out for further updates on Walking Football, and the IRD Duhallow Men’s Network, in future editions of Discover Duhallow.

Men’s Health Week 2025 at IRD Duhallow

By CIARÁN CARMODY

Men’s Health Week 2025 took place from June 9th to 15th, and IRD Duhallow marked the occasion with a series of events aimed at raising awareness and supporting men’s wellbeing in the local community.

On Tuesday, June 10th, IRD Duhallow hosted an information stand at Kanturk Mart, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with men in the farming and rural community. The stand offered resources and informal conversations around mental health, helping to reduce stigma and encourage early helpseeking among those who may be struggling. Our rural community health worker Shane McHale was present on the day to meet and chat with everyone.

The following evening, Wednesday, June 11th, a men’s walk was held in Island Wood, celebrating the importance of physical health and the benefits of being active. Participants enjoyed a great evening outdoors, and we extend our thanks to IRD Duhallow’s Rural Recreation Officer, Colm O’Connor, for leading the walk and sharing his expertise.

To round out the week, on Thursday, June 12th, IRD Duhallow organised a CPR and AED training session for local Men’s Sheds and men’s groups. The training focused on life-saving skills that could one day make a critical difference in an emergency situation.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped organise, deliver, and take part in the events throughout the week. Together, we’re working to support and improve men’s health in our community.