Mayo soccer ace widely praised for social media message

A MAYO soccer star has received a great deal of social media praise for a message he posted on his Facebook and Instagram pages ahead of the Darkness into Light walks around the county this weekend.

Castlebar-based Mark Rowland, who plays with Glenhest Rovers, stated: “Over the past few years in the Mayo Football League we've been unfortunate enough to have lost some friends, teammates and rivals to mental health issues.

“I believe 100% this could have been avoided if proper help was available.

“We all go through hard times but, with help, we can overcome them. Help can be as small as reaching out to someone, anyone.

“I have at times had my ups and downs and I am most certainly not ashamed to admit it. If you're feeling bad, lads, reach out to someone. You'd be surprised what it can bring.

“You're not mental, believe me, just going through a bad patch which will pass. If this post encourages one person to reach out, then job done.”