60 Push-Ups for 60 Lives: How WNOW is Breaking the Silence for Men’s Mental Health

Author: Claire Kiernan Campbell

AILM + OAK WELLNESS

June 16th 2026

"60 push-ups for the 60 men who take their own life every hour globally."

This striking statistic stops you in your tracks. In celebration of International Men’s Health Week, we sat down with local community hero Mickey Quinn. Mickey volunteers his time to lead the Killoe chapter of WNOW—"When No One’s Watching"—a men's group dedicated to tackling this global crisis locally.

At 36 years old, Mickey is a well-known Killoe GAA legend. He played 13 seasons with the Longford senior panel, has spent time in Australia with the AFL, and currently teaches Maths & PE at St. Mel’s College. Mickey is a proud family man himself, husband to Kate and a father to 3 beautiful little girls. His family are well known in the area for being football mad and very decent so its no surprise Mickey has embarked on this road.

Driven by a desire to create a safe space for men in Longford, he brought this international movement to his own doorstep.

What is WNOW?

WNOW is a global men's wellbeing community focused on supporting mental, physical, and emotional health. Founded in Australia in 2021 by Irishmen David Eccles and Tadhg Kennelly, the movement challenges toxic masculinity. It encourages men to "drop their armour" and build genuine, judgement-free connections.

The initiative addresses stark realities: men account for 80% of suicides, yet 75% do not seek help for emotional difficulties. Today, the organization has grown to over 4,500 members across 60 chapters worldwide.

The Local Impact: What to Expect

Every Friday morning at 6:30 AM, between 12 and 24 men gather at the Killoe GAA Club. The routine is simple but impactful:

• Exercise: 30 to 40 minutes of movement to start the day.

• The 60 Push-Up Cannon: 60 collective push-ups are completed in a circular rotation, meaning individuals perform a maximum of 5 reps each.

• Reflection: A brief moment to share the personal wins or losses of the week.

• Connection: The group finishes with a €2 coffee provided by Brew Brothers.

Top Health Tips for Men

Mickey offers three pieces of advice for men looking to improve their wellbeing:

1. Start Small: Do not try to overhaul your life overnight. Build small, sustainable habits that stack up over time.

   
   

2. Build a "Boost Box": Keep a list on your phone of 5 to 10 simple things that lift your mood—like a walk, drinking water, or calling a friend. Use it when you are feeling low.

   
   

3. Reach Out: Check in on a friend you might be worried about. A simple conversation over coffee can save a life.

How to Join or Start a Chapter

If you want to join your local group, start a conversation about bringing a new community chapter to your area, or find out more about what is involved, you can visit WNOW Open Chapter or reach out directly to local chapter members.

A huge thank you to Mickey and to anyone who volunteers their free time for men's health and wellbeing!