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.”