A Friday morning exercise class in Longford provides a social, as well as a physically active space, for men to get together and discuss issues that they might otherwise feel uncomfortable talking about in public.
“It’s brought a sense of camaraderie back,” explains Shane Dowd from Killoe in Co Longford.
Having finished playing football eight years ago, the exercise class at Longford’s Athletic centre is an outlet to meet friends before the busyness of daily life begins.
“I had lost that kind of team environment and as collective group, we’re working towards a better sense of self and mental health for all of us,” Shane said.
“Apart from the pub, we don’t really have another social outlet so this is something different.
“Once we have the session done, we go for a cup of coffee and have a chat and whether that be water cooler or talk or whatever, it’s a chat. It’s an outlet for us.”
The class is run by former Longford footballer and AFL player Mickey Quinn and is part of the ‘While No One in Watching’ or WNOW.
The class in Longford is run by former Longford footballer Mickey Quinn
The movement was established by former All-Ireland winner with Kerry and Sydney Swans player Tadhg Kennelly, alongside his long time friend, David Eccles.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tadhg was let go by the Swans, the AFL club he joined as an 18-year-old in late 1999.
It was a difficult time and David decided to help him by encouraging him to go to the beach for some exercise and a chat.
Things then grew from there.
WNOW’s goal is simple – to help men be better. The concept acknowledges that many men feel uncomfortable exercising in public or discussing mental health challenges.
The sessions provide a safe, open environment.
The group chat in the ‘Circle of Trust’ at the end of the exercise session
“It just started with creating that connection for men, that social connection where you can just drop the body armour,” explains Mickey Quinn.
Many of the men attending the sessions have busy lives with work and family and this is their only outlet.
The template is 35 minutes of body weight exercises followed by 60 press-ups divided up among the group to remember the 60 men lost to suicide every 60 minutes around the world.
The men then form a circle of trust where they can share without judgement.
“So we open up the floor and we hear about any big wins or losses this week. One of the guys last week was able to share good news of his new baby, so it’s not always the struggles and the battles.
“There’s lots of positives from it and lads are checking in on others and linking in with each other and that has caused a ripple effect,” Mickey said.
“One of other guys, as a result of the group, sought counselling for his mental health so it’s about signposting people in the right direction,” he added.
There are six WNOW chapters in Ireland
The session ends with coffee.
There are now six WNOW chapters in Ireland; Greystones, Dún Laoghaire, Longford, Kildare, Ballinrobe and Bundoran.
WNOW was officially recognised as a charity in Australia last month and it hopes to continue to expand around the world.
Eddie Quinn has been taking part in the sessions for five months and said it has brought about huge benefits.
“It’s great for physical, mental and physical well being. I think one thing that we have in this country is a good culture of caring for others, and this is just extension of it.
“In the circle of trust at the end, obviously, you can talk about anything that’s bothering you, it’s a really important thing at the end of the class, if you want to get something off your chest.
“I think it’s the element of openness, total openness with the guys and there is lots of positivity coming through as well.
“One thing that I found was – and one of the guys alluded to it this morning – I never regret coming but if I didn’t come in, I’d regret it.”
For Mickey Quinn, the class brings huge fulfilment.
(L-R) Eddie Quinn, Mickey Quinn and Shane Dowd
“It’s the giving side of things. I get a kick from the lads enjoying it and that’s why I get back and I get as much of these sessions as the guys taking part.
“When you get feedback that this is helping people, it’s super and it shows that this is something that could grow even further.
“We all have this brave face and we put on the face that we have to be strong, but showing that vulnerability is part and parcel of being a man.
“Being able to admit that you’re going through a tough time and that you can ask for help, that’s the important part,” Mickey said.
The sessions are free and is supported the Longford Sports Partnership, as part of Longford County Council who is highlighting the initiative as part of ‘Your Council Day’ today.
“Today we want to shine a light on the breadth and range of services that local authorities provide,” said Mairead O’Shea, Communications Officer with Longford County Council.
“We provide well over one thousand services that touch every aspect of daily life, from housing to environment to roads to parks, playgrounds, fire services, tourism, the Council impacts so much of our everyday lives,” she said.
“This is opportunity to showcase the great work that takes place at local authority level and the team of people that are at work every day, to make sure that those services are provided throughout the length and breadth of the county,” she added.