'It means a lot': Solidarity through sport movement aims to help Cork men who have lost a child 

On February 15 a charity football game took place between the Féileacáin Fathers Cork and Transplant Football Ireland at the home of League of Ireland side Cobh Ramblers, St Colman’s Park.

Féileacáin Fathers is a not-for-profit organisation that supports men affected by the loss of a baby during or after pregnancy.

Following on from a similar team which was set up in Dublin, Féileacáin Fathers Cork was established in March of 2023.

As a group of bereaved fathers, they have come together to support each other and to help improve men’s mental health.

Before the game in St Colman’s Park, a jersey presentation took place, where a full kit was presented to each dad playing. Jerseys were also presented to the dads not playing but part of the group, with each jersey having their angel’s name on the back.

For the charity football match on February 15, Cork Credit Unions came on board as match sponsor, with Summa Sports designing and providing the kit which was revealed on the day of the match.

On top of games such as the one in St Colman’s Park, Féileacáin Fathers Cork meet up monthly at the District Health and Leisure Club in Silversprings.

As some may find it difficult to speak about their feelings, or seek support, the monthly meet up is far more than a game of football.

For a grieving parent, to be among those who know exactly how they are feeling can be a profoundly moving and helpful experience.

Speaking to The Echo, John O’Driscoll from Féileacáin Fathers Cork, described the significance of the group.

Mr O’Driscoll’s daughter Willow sadly passed away due to Covid-19 when he was 22 years old.

“It was something that I wanted to do for Willow, playing for Féileacáin.

“For me and my partner Alannah, Covid took our Willow away. We couldn’t believe it at the time.

“I thought I was invincible at the age of 22 and Alannah was 21.

“This is the first Cork team game. All the ones I played with the lads up in Dublin, every time you score a goal, you are like that is for your angel.

“But I feel like it is for everyone, every goal scored, it is like there is a little stand up in heaven and they are all just watching us, cheering us on.

“So that is how it feels when you are out there. Even with the moments’ silence at the beginning of the games, I always just look up into the clouds and I just think of Willow.

“There is something about having Féilecain on your chest or, for me, having Willow’s name on my back, it just drives you on.

“You want to play.”

Féileacáin Fathers sadly will not change anything that has happened, but they provide an opportunity for this group of men to get together.

The mental health benefits of exercise and team sports are well documented and researched, while there is also an opportunity to talk to other fathers should one wish.

Other fathers may not talk about their child at all, but just having a game of football and having the general chats with the other dads is all they need.

Féileacáin Fathers Cork means the world to the players who featured in the game at St Colman’s Park on February 15 and being able to share a football pitch with other dads who have been through a similar tragic experience.

For Mr O’Driscoll and all of the players involved, Féileacáin provides a very important service and the work they do is massively appreciated.

“I can’t even describe how important Féileacáin is to all of the families.

“It is doing all this stuff and not looking for anything back.

“I have gotten three jerseys from Féileacáin now and they haven’t asked for a penny. They don’t want anything from the parents, they just want to be there to support.

“Men do not want to be in a room chatting about what happened to them.

“They just want to go out and play a game of ball. Then you look to your left and there is someone who can relate with you.

“There is something, it is unspoken but everyone knows and nods to each other, we are here for that certain reason.”

Mr O’Driscoll said the matches are a great “day out” for the family.

“They have done a lot for me and a lot for the dads. So it means a lot to everyone,” he added.

As for the game itself at St Colman’s Park in the end it was Transplant Football Ireland that recorded a 3-1 victory.

But this game is one without question where the meaning and significance of the contest reach far beyond just the full time score.

The Féileacáin Fathers Cork group hope to get one or two more matches in during 2025 and perhaps maybe a rematch with Transplant Football Ireland.

Féileacáin Fathers in Cork would like to welcome any bereaved father to their matches once a month, with these games taking place at District Health and Leisure Club. For further information on Féilecain Fathers Cork, visit www.feileacainfathers.com/feileacain-fathers or the Cork based group’s Instagram page.