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Irish Athletes Alliance Statement: Safeguarding of Athletes

The Irish Athletes Alliance wishes to place on the record our admiration for the former soccer players and commend their courage in bringing forward testimonies regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour by named individuals which have been documented by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ. By speaking out you have ensured, as you said in your own words, that your “pain will be the next generation’s gain”.

We are committed to ensuring that the experiences endured by these women never occur again in Irish sport. We also encourage any players affected by these, or other negative behaviours in the past, to come forward and seek support.

No person should have to face what these women have faced. It is incumbent on us to engage with the relevant stakeholders, including Sport Ireland and the Minister for Sport, to ensure steps are taken to better safeguard our athletes and provide them with the environment to thrive in their chosen sports and in their lives.

While we will engage with, and already have engaged with, our current members on these matters, it is essential former players across all sports know that they will be supported and that they are not alone.

Anyone who comes forward can trust that disclosures and/or concerns will be handled in the strictest of confidence, and all necessary supports and resources will be made available. 

• Anyone who has experienced harm or abuse from Irish football should contact Raiseaconcern, an independent contractor the FAI has hired to take statements. Raiseaconcern’s contact numbers are 01 6107929 or 086 0299929. It can be emailed on football@raiseaconcern.com

• Gaelic games players can contact ConfidentialReporting@gaelicplayers.com or our anonymous counselling lines:

Call 1800 989285 / Text “GPA” to 50808 (ROI)

Call 0800 0445059 / Text “GPA” to 85258 (NI)

• Jockeys can contact the Irish Jockey Association directly on 045-899571 or email mfisher@coonancawley.ie / acoonan@coonancawley.ie

• Members of Rugby Players Ireland can contact their Player Development Manager who is trained in trauma-informed care, while they also have access to a confidential helpline and network of counsellors through the Rugby Players Ireland Wellbeing Service. For more information, email wellbeing@rugbyplayersireland.ie