Conlan delighted to be able to take part in fantastic awareness raising Cycle Against Suicide event – 07/05/13

Sean Conlan TD wishes to extend his thanks and best wishes to the Cycle Against Suicide team on the success of their very well-organized event. Last Saturday saw around 400 cyclists making their way through the Cavan-Monaghan region and onto Dundalk.

Sean stated that he was delighted to be able to take part in this fantastic event creating awareness around the issue of suicide and the supports that are available for anyone battling depression, self-harm or those at risk of or bereaved by suicide.”

Niall Breslin( Bressie),the organiser Jim Breen and Oisin mcConville gave insightful talks about their own personal battles with anxiety and depression at the lunch time stopover in St. Louis Secondary School, which apart from being a welcome resting place provided the almost 400 cyclists with facilities and a hearty lunch which was kindly sponsored by Stuart Steel of Silverhill Foods.

Deputy Conlan said that he was privileged to be able to join, for just a small section of this round Ireland cycle, a wonderful group of people many of whom had lost parents or brothers and sisters to suicide. Suicide is claiming the lives of at least 500 people each year in Ireland. The Cycle Against Suicide team believes the best way to help fight the battle against suicide in Ireland is to do it together. The message which Jim Breen and the organisers which to get across is that people can help deal with their own issues by being active,finding a sense of belonging by getting involved in group activities and using the supports that are available in the community to help . “

The cycle against suicide group have already said that they will be doing it all again in 2014 so everyone who wishes to participate will have an opportunity to ensure they are better prepared for the physical demands of the county wide cycle next year. The organisers are hoping for an even bigger crowd to come out and join this great cause.