If there is an award for bravery in the GAA then we propose that Maurice Shanhan is a worthy recipient for 2015.
Earlier this month the Lismore clubman revealed his battle with crippling depression, which almost resulted in him taking his own life.
Thankfully the forward was given the help and support he needed to come through a terribly dark time in his life, and now he is hoping to help others who are suffering with depression in their lives.
Today, as part of his efforts to shine on a light onmental illness, the All-Star hurler spoke to his local radio station WLR about some of his own suicide attempts and how a former Cork hurler was key in his recovery.
The 25-year old described how he texted his sister at one stage to tell her that he was intent on ending his life.
“It was really bad for me and I got home one Sunday evening and I took an overdose. Something came over me that I wanted to end my life – but I am glad today I didn’t.
“It would have been very hard on her to get that text. She was away doing something that night and when she got the text it was unbelievable what I put her through, and all my family.”
“I literally told my mother and my father and my whole family that I wished I was dead, I wished I wasn’t there.”
Maurice Shanahan, an inspiration, #MentalHealthPosi #wlr and a really nice guy pic.twitter.com/yF1u7CADEf
— Mary Butler TD (@MaryButlerTD) November 30, 2015
Shanahan is urging anyone with worries to open up and speak to a friend or someone they trust to avoid going through what he experienced.
The Waterford attacker paid tribute to his older brother Dan for keeping an eye on him at his lowest moments and preventing another suicide attempt.
“One evening I went out for a walk and the whole of Lismore were out looking for me and they found me in time.
“My brother Dan was like my bodyguard, he never left me out of his sight – I suppose he was afraid of what I would do.
“I’m very grateful to them now because, if they left me off, I mightn’t be here to tell the story.”
Maurice Shanahan , what an inspiration , humble, sincere, #MentalHealthPosi
— Mary Butler TD (@MaryButlerTD) November 30, 2015
The hurler has also thanked the brother of former Cork hurler Donal Óg Cusack for his help and advice.
Conor Cusack has been a figurehead for major mental health initaives in Ireland over the last two years, and the Waterford man feels the Cloyne hurler has been a major help in his recovery
“It all took off from there. Conor was great to me.
“I listened to Conor because he was a sportsperson and he went through it himself. He could tell me a lot of stories that felt the same for me.
“For me listening to that, it kind of hit home, the people I was hurting, but above all I was hurting myself. I just wanted the help then.”
You can listen to the full powerful interview below
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