The daa has unveiled an exhibition with a difference in Terminal 2. The unique installation features a signed jersey from all 34 teams – Ireland’s 32 counties plus New York and London – that compete in the GAA All-Ireland football and hurling championships.
The collection of jerseys by the county’s footballers or hurlers was the idea of Ian and Gary Kinsella, from Coolock, Co Dublin, who lost their brother Jonathan to suicide in 2011.
The 32 County Jersey campaign was initiated to increase awareness of suicide prevention and raise funds for Pieta House. Dublin Airport purchased the jerseys at a fundraising event and is now displaying them at the airport.
Gary McLean, Dublin Airport Head of Operations, said he was particularly pleased to showcase such a unique display of GAA jerseys in T2. “This is a fantastic collection of jerseys with a very touching story behind it. The exhibition is a great welcome to Ireland and we hope it will be a talking point and generate interest for passengers arriving into T2.”
Pieta House is closely associated with the 3Ts suicide prevention charity, which was daa’s charity partner in 2011. Staff raised €225,000 for suicide prevention through a range of fundraising initiatives that year.
“This is a very special day for our family and a fitting tribute to Jonathan who was a keen supporter of the GAA and the Dublin team in particular,” said Gary Kinsella. “We are thrilled the jerseys are on display in T2 for passengers to enjoy. The real message for us is to raise awareness about self-harm, suicide prevention and the excellent work carried out by Pieta House in that regard.”
The display of jerseys in T2 is supported by the GAA, who provided the colourful backdrop to the exhibition installation.
The exhibition is located in T2 on the arriving journey just before the Garda Immigration area and passengers are encouraged to take a photo of their county jersey and tweet to @DublinAirport and @officialgaa using the hashtag #DUB32
