Rugby star Earls backs suicide prevention group

Munster rugby player Keith Earls has lent his support to a suicide prevention group in Limerick City after revealing his own experience of losing a close family member to suicide.

The 26-year-old Ireland wing — whose knee injury ruled him out of action for most of the Six Nations — said the death of a relative by suicide some years ago and its devastating impact on his family led him to offer his support to a group of volunteers who help patrol the River Shannon.

“A relative of mine died by suicide at 20 years of age, so it’s something that’s close to me and I know what families go through, having seen what my parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents went through,” said Earls. “It’s devastating for the family, and it’s just to get the awareness out there that it’s not the right thing to do and you can get help.”

Flying back from a Heineken Cup game at 2am, Earls saw people on the bridge patrolling the river. He soon learned they were part of the Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol in Limerick City, which has 29 volunteers and, since its foundation two years ago, is estimated to have intervened in about 80 cases where people were at risk of suicide.

Earls, from Moyross in the city, said: “It’s great, especially the way times are now, and especially with mental illness. It’s a great cause and they’re saving a lot of lives and are real-life heroes. It takes a lot of time to keep it going, so I’d encourage people or businesses to donate money, equipment, or time to the group if they can.”

Retired Irish and Munster rugby star Alan Quinlan has also spoken openly about his battle with depression, and Earls urged those affected “not to be quiet about it and speak out”.

“You wouldn’t expect it out of Quinny,” said Earls. “He’s a tough fella on the pitch, and he was happy when he was around the lads, but I suppose when you leave the rugby pitch and head out the gate from training, no one knows what’s going on.”

Up to eight volunteers patrol the riverside in Limerick on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. One of the volunteers, Mike Mulholland, said more people are needed.

He said 16 people entered the River Shannon and died over Christmas 2012, but the number of people entering the water has since decreased dramatically.

Louraine Corbett Tomlinson, whose late brother Trevor founded the group in 2011, said the people they have approached are suffering from depression, anxieties about money, drug and alcohol addiction, and loneliness.

She said it has been “overwhelming” to later be approached by people whom she has talked to on the bridge and helped change their lives for the better.

Trevor founded the Countrywide Emergency Response Team in 2011, and it was later renamed in his honour after he passed away in May 2012.