Oireachtas v Rovers go for goal in charity match

BEACON of Light counselling centre and the Breakthrough Programme had a rematch with old foes – the Oireachtas football team at Shamrock Rovers Academy facility in Roadstone.

The match was organised between Shamrock Rovers Academy facility, Geoffrey McCarthy, GM Beacon of Light, and Senator Lynn Ruane.

The fixture was a lively affair with the Breakthrough team winning 6-2, helped by a hat-trick from superstar Jamie Adams.

A mix of TDs, Senators and journalists lined up on the Oireachtas side, while the Breakthrough team included some current programme participants, staff, with Kevin Brady (HSE) and a selection of Shamrock Rovers staff and FAI staff.

Geoffrey McCarthy, GM, Beacon of Light said: “The coaches of the Breakthrough team Tony O’Neill (Shamrock Rovers Community Officer) and Rob De Courcy (FAI South Dublin football officer) have once again delivered an excellent programme over the 10 weeks. The commitment from both Shamrock Rovers and the FAI is exceptional to the project.”

The Breakthrough team

The programme is part-funded by South Dublin County Sports Partnership, Rethink Ireland and the HSE.

“The Breakthrough programme was designed in 2016 to use group sporting activity and 1:1 psychotherapy for men aged 18 to 35 to address their physical and mental health together,” said Geoffrey.

“To date the programme has had excellent success and outcomes using a wide variety of sports with many participants. A key part of the programme is the mentorship aspect, with those who complete the programme mentoring others on the next cycle.

“We look forward to the rematch in Spring 2022 when the next Breakthrough programme with football will run and the Oireachtas team will be gunning for revenge.”

For more information visit beaconoflight.ie/break-through-programme