As part of the 2025 Men’s Health Week campaign, Longford County Council will host a wide-ranging Men’s Health Day on Friday, June 13, offering free activities and health services at the Athletics Centre and The Mall in Longford Town.
This year’s campaign theme, “Shoulder to Shoulder – Connecting for Health,” encourages men to support each other and take proactive steps toward better physical and mental wellbeing. The initiative addresses long-standing statistics that show men are less likely to seek help for health issues.
The event is part of a wider movement to break down stigma around men’s health. Longford County Council is taking a community-based approach, creating safe, accessible spaces where men feel comfortable engaging in wellness activities.
A Community Effort to Promote Men’s Wellbeing
The programme is a collaboration among multiple departments within the council. It’s also one of the key lead-up events to Your Council Day in late June, which highlights how local governments help build stronger communities.
Central to the programme is Mickey Quinn’s early morning “When No One is Watching” (WNOW) exercise session. This class begins at 6:30am, offering men a private and supportive environment to work out—ideal for those who might feel self-conscious about public fitness or discussing mental health.
Quinn, a former senior Longford footballer and All-Star nominee, is well-respected in the community. He also represented Ireland in the International Rules Series.
Packed Schedule of Free Activities
The full-day event includes both physical and wellness-focused activities, all free of charge. Participants can drop in or register in advance through the Men’s Health Week page on longfordcoco.ie.
Morning Activities (June 13)
6:30am – 7:30am: WNOW Early Morning Exercise with Mickey Quinn
7:00am – 3:00pm: Triumph Over Adversity – Recovery sessions with portable ice baths and compression boots
8:00am – 9:00am: ‘Ahead of the Game’ fitness session
10:00am – 11:00am: Men’s Exercise Class in partnership with Men’s Shed
10:00am – 2:45pm: Free blood pressure and pulse checks
10:00am – 2:00pm: Gambling addiction support services
11:00am – 12:00pm: Tai Chi session
Afternoon Activities
12:30pm – 2:30pm: LCC Triathlon Challenge
Events include 500m rowing, 400m relay run (4x100m), and 2km cycling (stationary bike)
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Healthy lunch and hydration break, with talks by nutritional experts from Sláintecare Healthy Communities
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Boxercise class
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Pétanque at The Mall (a French-style game similar to boules)
Evening Activity
7:00pm: Lads and Dads walking event through Longford Town, with free tea and coffee for participants
Additional Events During the Week
Monday, June 9: Health and fitness session at Ballymahon Library
Wednesday, June 11: Health and fitness session at Edgeworthstown Library
Both Days: Free health checks and complimentary haircuts at participating libraries
Why Men’s Health Week Is So Important
Men’s Health Week is an international awareness campaign that encourages men and boys to take control of their health. The focus in 2025 is on mental health in a changing world, addressing the social and emotional challenges men face today.
Statistics show a serious need for such initiatives:
−Around 75–80% of suicides in Ireland are male, according to the National Office for Suicide Prevention.
−Irish men have a 3.7-year shorter life expectancy than women, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
−The Irish Men’s Health Forum reports that only 30% of men attend regular GP check-ups.
−Mental Health Ireland notes that just 1 in 4 men seek help for mental health challenges.
Local Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Mark Casey, praised the initiative:
“We’re proud to support Men’s Health Week 2025 with a programme that makes health and wellbeing more accessible to men in our community. The ‘When No One is Watching’ concept is particularly important as it creates a comfortable space for men to engage with exercise and connect with others.”
Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, added:
“This initiative addresses the stark statistics around men’s health in Ireland. By offering diverse activities, we hope to reach men who might otherwise not engage with health services or physical activity. Longford County Council is proud to be involved in this unique event.”
For more details or to register, visit the official Men’s Health Week page on longfordcoco.ie.
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