#ItsInOurHands – Rugby and GAA stars get behind HSE Coronavirus campaign

We all have a role to play.

Sports stars from the GAA and rugby world are supporting the HSE by asking everyone to play their part and help protect everyone from coronavirus, and more importantly, protect the vulnerable people around us. Some of Ireland's best known GAA and rugby players are posting videos on social media appealing to people to help slow the spread of the virus, using the hashtag #ItsInOurHands. GAA players involved include Mayo footballer Aidan O’Shea, Kilkenny camogie player Grace Walsh, Clare hurler Shane O’Donnell, Kerry footballer Paul Geaney and Limerick hurler Cian Lynch.  Rugby players such as Rob Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Ciara Griffin, Louise Galvin, Greg O’Shea, Peter O’Mahony, Eoin McKeon and Iain Henderson are also participating. https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1241031749032980480 Speaking about the initiative, Paul Flynn, GPA CEO said;

“GPA and WGPA members are well aware of their positions as role-models and leaders within their counties and communities.  That is why it was so important to them that they played their part in helping efforts to flatten the curve.  They see it as a duty and a responsibility to do all we can to help in this current crisis especially given that some of their fellow players are right on the front line in the fight against Covid-19."

The key message from the videos is that the virus cannot be stopped, but together we can reduce the impact it has on ourselves, our families, our communities, the health service and our day-to-day lives. Simon Keogh, Rugby Players Ireland CEO said

“Rugby Players Ireland’s members, like the general public, know that they have a civic duty to do all they can to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Our players are aware of the huge amount of work being done by our medical professionals in the fight against this virus and want to assist in any small way we can. By using our collective voice we hope we can help to amplify the government’s important message of taking the right precautions.” https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1241016944465149952

The goal is to slow the spread of coronavirus. If we can slow it down, we give ourselves, and our most vulnerable people, more options and more time for care and recovery. Our collective efforts are critical. -   Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and do it often -   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, then bin the used tissue -   Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands -   Stop hugging and shaking hands -   Play apart by keeping social distance of 1 or ideally 2m -   Work at home if you can. For factual, trusted advice and information on COVID-19, go to HSE.ie.