Galway hurler Conor Whelan says the late Niall Donoghue was his first idol.
Donoghue tragically passed away in October, 2013, aged 22, having represented the Tribesmen in the previous year's All-Ireland SHC final.
Speaking through the Style of Play series, Whelan states: "Niall Donoghue would have been my first cousin and he would have been my first idol, really. He took his own life in the winter of 2013.
"It was immensely sad, it is still very raw and still very hard to take. We all have a responsibility to try and raise awareness and try and highlight the importance of mental health.
"Sometime GAA players have a platform to try and reach out to young people who look up to them and stuff. I just think it's very important that we try and influence them, try and change the culture and make sure we don't lose another loved one like that."
Tweet'You just have to try and be strong mentally and be positive.'
- Littlewoods Ireland (@LittlewoodsIRL) August 6, 2018
In this instalment of our #StyleOfPlay series, @Galway_GAA hurler @conorwhelan10 opens up about his life both on and off the pitch. #StyleOfPlay pic.twitter.com/Do0K2aJSMb