Sir, – Cork hurler Conor Cusack's incredibly brave public stand on dealing with depression was inspiring to read online (October 30th), and to listen to on Prime Time. In his blog entry that went viral this week and last, he specifically mentions bullying at school as a factor that contributed to his condition. He talks about an improbable stroke of luck in his mother breaking a habit of going to Mass, on a particular Saturday, for saving his life, as he was just hours away from taking his own life.
In 2009 his elder brother Donal Óg Cusack publicly came out as gay while at the top of his game, as Cork senior hurling captain, and has been an inspiration to young gay Irish people who feel trapped and isolated, particularly in rural Ireland as they struggle with bullying and prejudice, both real and perceived. Indeed rates of suicide among young gay Irish people are multiples of their peers.
While not taking away from either Conor or Donal Óg’s bravery and integrity, I think someone should interview Mammy Cusack and find out how she managed to raise two boys that grew into such stalwart and inspirational men. – Yours, etc,
DAVID WILKINS,
Vevay Road,
Bray,
CoWicklow.