Hurling star Padraic Mannion reckons Ireland is a tough place in which to grow up – despite witnessing the hardships of the Third World.
The Galway defender revealed volunteering for a charity in Sierra Leone had exposed him to the great distress people there face.
But the teacher also believes social media has had a negative impact on young people in Ireland.
He said: “I don’t know does it sound the right thing to say, but growing up in Ireland is a very tough place to be too – mentally.
“Maybe not physically like it is here [Sierra Leone] but definitely mentally, it’s a tough place to be growing up with social media and everyone kind of being really self-conscious.
“Whereas out here, you’re outside. If you’re bored you just go out and play. There’s no phones, there’s no Instagram, no Facebook.”
The 26-year-old is a goodwill ambassador for charity Sightsavers and got to experience the work being done by the group during a trip to the African country.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent Life magazine, he hailed the people of Sierra Leone for their ability to stay positive and strong-willed despite facing such adversity.
