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David Moran and Tommy Walsh with teacher Tommy Lyons, Principal Maria O’Regan and Holy Family sixth class pupils at the raising of the Amber Flag at the school on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
TWO Kerry GAA stars returned to their alma mater, on Friday morning to help the sixth class pupils raise the Pieta House Amber Flag.
Tommy Walsh and David Moran also spoke to the pupils at Holy Family NS about the importance of mental health and being kind to one another.
The Pieta House Amber Flag initiative recognises the efforts of the school community to create a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental well-being.
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Congratulating the school on the achievement, Tommy Walsh said there was great credit due to the pupils and teachers taking part in the initiative.
“Mental health is so important,” said Tommy. “It’s not something that was spoken about when we were in school, so you’re lucky to have an initiative like this. When you think of ‘wellness’ with us as footballers, you associate it with being fit and not being injured.
“But it’s important to have your mind right as well. If you’re not feeling great, it’s important to talk about it,” he added.
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His Kerins O’Rahillys team-mate also praised the school and said it was vital that they worked together to ensure good mental health.
“You’re at an age where there will be so many ups and downs, especially with social media which is something we didn’t have to deal with at your age,” said David.
“It’s important that ye look after each other. Don’t be the person pulling everyone else down. If you see someone feeling down, be a supportive influence,” he said.
David Moran and Tommy Walsh with teacher Tommy Lyons, and Holy Family sixth class pupils at the raising of the Amber Flag at the school on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Co-ordinator of the scheme, 6th class teacher Mr. Tommy Lyons, was delighted with the achievement of gaining the Amber Flag for the school.
“We are very proud here in Holy Family, to raise our Amber Flag from Pieta House. It serves as a reminder of the work completed by our 6th class pupils and indeed the support and input from all pupils and staff members. It has been an outstanding initiative promoting positive mental health in our school,” said Mr. Lyons.
Some of the successful activities achieved as part of the Amber Flag in Holy Family National School include The Daily Mile, a worry box made available to children where they can express their worries anonymously, creating positive mental health awareness messages throughout the school and a mental health awareness art competition.
Not only has this project significantly improved mental health awareness in the school, it has also served as a fundraiser where the school raised €345 for Pieta House.
David Moran and Tommy Walsh raise the Amber Flag at Holy Family school on Friday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
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