CRUSADERS goalkeeper Sean O’Neill says it’s high time an Irish League players’ body was formed in order to provide a range of support services for its members following the sudden death of Carrick Rangers player Jerry Thompson.
The 24-year-old defender, who had spells with Larne, Portadown and Ards and was well known in Irish League circles, didn’t show for Carrick’s league game against Glenavon on Wednesday night before the alarm was sounded about his tragic passing before the game had finished.
Thompson’s death plunged local football into mourning with hundreds of heartfelt messages being posted on social media.
O’Neill feels that the player’s sudden death should focus minds among players, clubs, football authorities and local politicians so that there is more support for young people suffering from mental health issues.
The west Belfast native revealed that moves are already afoot to form a players’ body.
“As soon as it happened I felt something needed to be done for players over here especially with the game going full-time here now.
“I heard Michael Carvill [Dungannon Swifts] was thinking along the same lines so I rang him. He’s had meetings with the players’ association down south, and the English PFA and he’s trying to get something up and running. But he needs backing from the players, so I’d like to help. There are things happening in the background and it needs to be done as soon as possible.”
The weekend match between Carrick Rangers and Cliftonville was postponed as a mark of respect to Jerry Thompson, but all other Premiership games go ahead as scheduled.
“It was put on our WhatsApp group and everyone was in complete shock. There were guys who couldn’t sleep and were still putting messages up about Jerry at 2am. People were saying they couldn’t stop thinking about him and his family.”
O’Neill revealed all other Irish League clubs have agreed to stand among one another for a minute’s silence to remember the north Belfast man.
“In another WhatsApp group Jim Ervin [Ballymena United] came up with the idea that both teams mix and stand together. I think it’s a great idea, so we’re hoping that happens.
“Everybody will be thinking about Jerry’s family. There is a young baby that will never see their father again, his partner, and a mother and father who will never see their son again. That’s the toughest thing.”
There will be collections at Irish League grounds that will be donated to Jerry’s family to help cover funeral and other costs.
Over the past week there were a spate of suicides in north and west Belfast and in Newry.
“Suicide is rife especially in west Belfast and north Belfast,” said O’Neill.
“Maybe kids think it’s got so common now that it’s the common thing to do, and it’s not. I think young men don’t want to look weak and they’re afraid to speak up. Something needs to be done.”
“I think gambling is a big issue too among young people,” O’Neill added.
“All these gambling companies offer free bets and you do a £20 bet and that’s you, you’re hooked. They’ve got you. It’s a sad state of affairs.”
