Offaly Men’s Health Week launches with Mental Health Ireland’s dips for health event
Dips for Health event takes place at Banagher Pool
Offaly Men’s Health Week got underway on Saturday, 13 June, with Mental Health Ireland’s Dips for Health event at Banagher Pool on the River Shannon. The event also featured a complimentary sauna experience provided by Offaly Sports Partnership, creating a unique opportunity for participants to focus on both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Swim Ireland, the local lifeguard volunteers, Dee and Cian, and the Offaly Search and Recovery were on hand throughout the morning to supervise and support the event, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.
Dips for Health is a community wellbeing initiative organised by Mental Health Ireland that combines cold-water immersion, mindful connection, and peer support. The dip was led by Ger Hough of Hough’s Pub, Banagher, alongside Karen Boylan and Conor Geoghegan from Mental Health Ireland.
Participants who took part in either the river dip or sauna experience were treated to complimentary tea and coffee, generously funded by Offaly Local Development Company. Voluntary donations were accepted via idonate in support of Accessible Counselling and Mental Health Ireland.
Midlands 103 broadcasted live from the event, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere and raise awareness of Men’s Health Week activities taking place across the county. Attendees also received goody bags containing health and wellbeing information, as well as keyrings featuring details of local community support services.
The event created a lively and welcoming environment, offering people an opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and engage in positive activities that support mental and physical wellbeing.
Men’s Health Week is an internationally recognised awareness campaign observed across Europe and around the world. In Ireland, the campaign is coordinated nationally by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland. The week aims to:
Raise awareness of preventable health issues affecting men and boys of all ages.
Support men and boys in making healthier lifestyle choices.
Encourage the early detection and treatment of health concerns.
The 2026 campaign encourages people across Ireland to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys one step at a time, focusing on progress rather than perfection.
A wide range of activities are taking place throughout County Offaly during Men’s Health Week, including fitness classes, drop-in cafés, activity afternoons, social walks, and wellbeing events.
A free schedule of local events is available from libraries across Offaly. The full programme can also be viewed on Offaly Local Development Company’s social media channels or by visiting the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland website at mhfi.org