From this week’s Galway City Tribune – When Dylan Coyle lost his brother Daniel to suicide in 2021, he was determined that he would do anything he could to ensure the topic of mental health was no longer taboo among men.

In shock and grief, Dylan together with his family and friends came together to organise a five-a-side soccer tournament to remember Daniel by playing the sport he loved at his former club in East United – but also to create a space where men could meet and chat without fear of judgement.

Dylan, who is from Castlepark and now lives in Roscam, says he was motivated by thoughts of Daniel who never showed any signs he was struggling with his mental health.

“He wore the brave face – the brave smile. None of us ever knew he was depressed,” says Dylan.

The idea for a five-a-side came about as Daniel’s loved ones regularly met up to support each other in dealing with the loss of Daniel who was just 24 years old.

“We got the group together, first of all, just to look after each other.

“It was for us to be able to open up to one another without fear of being judged, as most men do have a fear of opening up to someone because they think it’s not ‘manly’ to do so,” says Dylan.

They ran the tournament on that basis last year, but this year they wanted to expand it and bring a charity close to their hearts onboard.

This year’s five-a-side, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at East United’s pitches in Castlepark will raise money for Let’s Get Talking Galway, a not-for-profit counselling and psychotherapy service, which Dylan says has been a great support to him and his family since Daniel’s death.
This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article, see the July 28 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can support our journalism and buy a digital edition HERE.