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SCHULL

Schull students get behind Cycle Against Suicide

Community College was an anchor school for Cycle Against Suicide and hosted approximately 500 cyclists and crew last week.

An event of that scale involved months of planning and preparation and the school’s team of student leaders embraced their roles fully.

In advance of Cycle Against Suicide, a mental health awareness week took place in the college involving guest speakers, art competitions and even a lunchtime flashmob dance by Transition Year students.

At around 2pm on the 5^th May when the students heard the sirens of the lead cars approaching they knew we were part of something special. The cyclists, although tired after a tough cycle were in good spirits and were warmly welcomed to the Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre where lunch and an array of home baked goodies awaited them. Catering for 500 people is no easy task but the very dedicated parents association with their team of volunteers appeared to take it in their stride.

The highlight of the day was saw students and staff gathered in the school gym for the mental health event hosted by Jim Breen, the founder of Cycle Against Suicide, Conor Cusack, former Cork hurler and Rory O’Connor of RTE’s Rory’s Stories. This event was opened with entertainment from one of Schull Community College’s student bands. The talks which followed were both inspiring and engaging and the honesty displayed by all was to be applauded.

The aim of Cycle Against Suicide is to break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland and together with the local community they hope to have played their part in spreading the important message of 'It’s ok not to feel ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help.'