WE REALLY LIKE the unique exhibition showcasing 34 signed intercounty GAA jerseys that has been unveiled at Dublin airport to increase awareness of suicide prevention and to raise funds for the Pieta House charity.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is proudly displaying the sparkling collection in Terminal 2, with all 34 counties competing in the All-Ireland senior hurling and football championships featured.
The initiative came about following the work of Ian and Gary Kinsella from Coolock in Dublin, who lost their brother Jonathan to suicide in 2011. In an attempt to raise money and awareness for Pieta House, the brothers arranged for each GAA jersey to be signed by footballers or hurlers from the various counties. The jersey collection was purchased by Dublin Airport at a fundraising event, and now features across Terminal 2.
Dublin’s four-time Allstar footballer Paul Flynn and three-time Allstar Tipperary hurler Pádraic Maher were on hand to launch the initiative, which has been warmly welcomed by GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.
Newly-installed Association chief Fearghail said: “I had the good fortune to arrive back in Dublin Airport last week and was thrilled to view the jerseys for myself.
Lots of people were having their photo taken beside their county colours. It gives real meaning to visitors arriving and receiving a Céad Míle Fáilte.
Pieta House originally opened as a centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide opened in Lucan, Dublin over nine years ago. Since then, the organisation has helped over 17,000 people and opened eight subsequent centres, three in the greater Dublin area and five others in Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Galway and Kerry.
The GAA, along with DAA, is encouraging all passengers travelling through Dublin Airport to have their photo taken beside their county jersey on display in Terminal 2 and tweet their pictures to @officialgaa and @DublinAirport using the hashtag #DUB32
