Experts on call to help players cope

THE Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) have launched a 24-hour confidential counselling helpline for its members during the festive period.

The service, which will also be open Christmas Day, is seen as an addition to the GPA’s nationwide personal counselling programme consisting of a team of experienced psychologists accessible free of charge to county hurlers and footballers.

Having been surprised by the level of uptake for the counselling service over the first 18 months, the GPA felt it was appropriate that a 24-hour service should be available during the Christmas holidays, a time when personal issues can often manifest themselves.

According to GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell, it was an obvious decision at a sensitive time of the year for a lot of people.

“When we established our confidential counselling service as part of the GPA’s Health and Wellbeing Programme, we assumed it would be a very slow burner, particularly given the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

“However, we have been taken aback by the level of engagement with the psychologists. This is of course a positive thing that players are coming forward to discuss their personal problems, which is essential for good mental health.

“Because of the demand we felt it important that a 24-hour service should be made available during Christmas, when people experiencing personal difficulties can be particularly vulnerable.”

The free confidential helpline can be accessed by GPA members in the Republic at 1800201346 and in the North on 08082345183.

Meanwhile, TG4 have released details of their GAA coverage over Christmas with their goal of the season as voted by viewers being revealed tomorrow.

Starting with a re-run of the Cork v Dublin Division 1 final at Croke Park today, the station will broadcast GAA material on 11 of the 14 days over the holidays.

TG4’s new GAA Handball Show will broadcast eight episodes every Monday night in January from 8.30pm to 9.30pm .

TG4 Christmas GAA schedule — Today: Cork v Dublin (Division 1 football final) 3pm, Micheal O’Hehir documentary 5.55pm; Tomorrow: Cuil na Bliana (goal of the year in football and hurling) 6.10pm; Tuesday, December 27: Kilkenny v Tipperary (All-Ireland SHC final) 3.05pm; Wednesday, December 28 Dublin v Kerry (All-Ireland SFC final) 2.55pm; Thursday, December 29: Clarinbridge v O’Loughlin Gaels (All-Ireland SHC club final) 3.05pm; Friday, December 30: Clarinbridge v De La Salle (All-Ireland SHC club semi-final) 2.35pm; Saturday, December 31: Limerick v Cork (Munster U21 HC final) 2.55pm; Sunday, January 1 GAA 2011 na Scealta (GAA review of the year) 4.0pm, Seo Spoirt na Nollag (presented by Dara Ó Cinneide featuring Marc Ó Se and Donal O’Grady) 7.30pm; Monday, January 2: GAA Handball Show 8.30pm and 9pm; Wednesday, January 4: GAA ‘Round The Square; Friday, January 6: GAA ‘Round The Square.