ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services officially launched its partnership with Munster Rugby under Munster’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme at Thomond Park Stadium this week. ADAPT director of Services Monica McElvaney was joined by Training and Development co-ordinator Majella Foley-Friel and Limerick County Council cathaoirleach Jerome Scanlon who spoke of the importance of the work carried out by ADAPT.
In attendance on behalf of Munster Rugby were vice president John Hartery who also addressed the gathering; team manager Niall O’Donovan and players Ian Keatley, Felix Jones, Johne Murphy and Conor Murray who spoke of the importance of the partnership.
“I think as a male dominated organisation it’s entirely appropriate to be associated with an organisation such as ADAPT who provide refuge and support to women and their children who suffer abuse in their homes,” Mr Murray told Limerick Post. “Whatever anyone out there thinks, it’s simply not acceptable for men to visit violence, either physical or mental, on women and children. It’s not by any means a ‘manly’ thing to do.
“It is in fact a very cowardly act and I would hope that our association this season with ADAPT will help to get that message across.”
Ms McElvaney, in thanking Munster Rugby, emphasised the importance of the having a “male dominated body, one as famous as Munster Rugby, standing shoulder to shoulder with women in condemning violence against women.”
Munster players Johne Murphy and Conor Murray are pictured with Majella Foley Friel, Monica McElvaney and Laura Bohan from ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services at the local launch of the national Man Up initiative by Safe Ireland, at Thomond Park. Some 765 women used the refuge last year.
Picture: Keith Wiseman
