Alright, listen up folks because we’ve got a heartwarming story mixed with a bit of footie fever. Meet Ruairí McDonnell, a buddy of a young lad from Belfast who sadly passed away from suicide. But Ruairí and his crew aren’t just wallowing in sadness, oh no. They’re putting on a football tourney in memory of their pal, Ciaran Crawford, to fundraise and make sure no other young folks have to go through the same tough times.

Ciaran was one of those cool dudes – smart, sporty, and always lighting up the place with his presence. But behind that beaming smile, he was wrestling with some serious mental health issues. And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Mental health doesn’t care how popular or funny or smart you are. It can sneak up on anyone.

Ruairí reckons that not enough is being done to tackle mental health stigma. And you know what? He’s got a point. With over 200 suicide deaths in Northern Ireland in 2021 alone, it’s clear we need to step up our game. And no, I’m not talking about soccer (or football, if you want to be fancy about it).

So instead of moping around, Ruairí and his pals are going for goal – and not just on the field. They’ve raised a whoppin’ £25,000 over the years for PAPYRUS, a charity that’s all about preventing young suicide. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, let’s kick this stigma and taboo to the curb, and let’s do it with some fancy footwork.”

And here’s the best part – you can join in on the fun too! There’s going to be a football tournament to raise even more money for PAPYRUS. Who knew scoring goals could help save lives, right?

So, if you’re in the Belfast area or just fancy a bit of charitable action, mark your calendars for the big day. Because, hey, it’s not every day you get to play some footie and do some good at the same time.

If you’re feeling a bit down, maybe struggling with your own battles, remember there’s no shame in speaking up. Whether it’s with a mate, a family member, or a professional, reaching out is the first step to tackling those demons.

So, shoutout to Ruairí and the gang for taking a tragedy and turning it into something positive. They’re not just playing for a trophy – they’re playing to make a difference. And that, my friends, is a victory in itself.