Four local organisations were recently presented with a donation of €500 each as part of the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme.

Dundalk FC chief operating officer Martin Connolly, Fyffes CEO Gerry Cunningham and members of the Taaffe family presented the cheques to members of Dundalk Women’s Aid, Shine, Dundalk Counselling Centre and Turas.

The proceeds came from the Community Recovery Trust, which is an important pillar of the Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme. Supported by Fyffes, the trust provides funding for local groups who are actively engaged in promoting the mental health sector.

The Community Recovery Trust will also provide opportunities for individuals to apply for funding that will enable them to participate in an activity that will enhance their mental health.

Gerry Cunningham (Fyffes), Orla Taaffe and Martin Connolly (Dundalk FC) presenting Megan Bellew and Sharon McQuaid from Dundalk Women’s Aid with a donation of €500 from the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme

Gerry Cunningham (Fyffes), Shane Taaffe and Martin Connolly (Dundalk FC) presenting Elaine Curtis from Shine with a donation of €500 from the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme

Gerry Cunningham (Fyffes), Orla Taaffe and Martin Connolly (Dundalk FC) presenting Nicki Jordan from Turas with a donation of €500 from the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme

The programme, which was created in memory of the club’s late groundsman and videographer, Harry Taaffe, who tragically passed away by suicide in 2020, is designed to educate and increase awareness about mental health and to try and challenge the stigma associated with mental health difficulties.

A number of initiatives have taken place since its launch last September. Dundalk FC staff members and coaches took part in a HSE SafeTALK workshop in December while Oriel Park was also the venue for a Men’s Health Week committee meeting earlier this month.

For more information on the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme, cick here.