After fantastic events in Dublin, Cork and Kildare in recent months, the My Moving Brain series is heading West to Galway on November 1st!
The My Moving Brain project is being led by our colleagues in FutureNeuro - Ireland’s Centre for Translational Brain Science, funded by Research Ireland. The initiative as whole aims to highlight why neurological conditions should not be a barrier to participation in sport.
We are delighted to continue our support for the My Moving Brain series as a named partner in the overall project. From an Epilepsy Ireland perspective, the event will present a fantastic opportunity to educate those involved in sports clubs locally that epilepsy is not a barrier to participation in sport.
Unfortunately, there have been instances of people approaching our service who have not been included in a sporting activity due to their epilepsy. Often, this is simply down to a lack of awareness of the condition and when simple safety measures are put in place, a person with epilepsy can fully participate.
The event will feature a range of speakers with expert and personal experience of neurological conditions - including Epilepsy Ireland supporter Ambassador, Dr. Michael McKillop MBE- who will speak about how he navigated life with epilepsy to become a four-time paralympic champion - while Epilepsy Ireland Media volunteer, Kate Ní Ghacháin, will share her experience of being a PaddleAble ambassador for Canoeing Ireland. The full agenda is included below.
Alongside the fantastic speakers, there will also be an opportunity to try different sporting activities, meet some of FutureNeuro's researchers and hear about their work, and visit engagement stands from patient organisations like Epilepsy Ireland and others.
This family friendly event is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities so please come along and join us for the latest event of the My Moving Brain Series! We look forward to seeing you there!
Further information on the event can be found by visiting FutureNeuro's Eventbrite page or by scrolling below.
WHEN?
Saturday November 1st, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
WHERE?
O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, University Road, Galway H91 T8WR.
WHO?
This event is open to people with epilepsy of all ages and their families. The event is also particularly targeted at sports clubs, coaches, leaders and volunteers. Please encourage your local club to attend and learn more!
AGENDA
- 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Networking with Sports Activities, Mini Science Fair & Engagement Stands
- 3:00 PM - 3:10 PM: Welcome to My Moving Brain - Lyndsey Butterworth and Michael McKillop MBE
- 3:10 PM - 3:25 PM: Living with a Brain Condition: Insights from a Neurologist - Dr Marwa Elamin, Consultant Neurologist, University Hospital Galway
- 3:25 PM - 3:35 PM: There is no 'I' in Team - Eamon McPartlin, Founder of FND Ireland and Chartered Engineer
- 3:35 PM - 3:45 PM: From Participation to Confidence: My Experience with Sport and Epilepsy – Kate Ní Ghacháin, PaddleAble Ambassador and Epilepsy Ireland Volunteer
- 3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Never Accepting NO - Climbing the Himalayas – Fergus Farrell, Challenger Seeker, Mental Health and Disability Advocate and Author
- 4:00 PM - 4:10 PM: European Academy of Childhood-onset Disabilty Congress 2026 - What to Expect - Dr Hazel Killeen, President, EACD Annual Congress 2026
- 4:10 PM - 4:25 PM: Seizing Control: Winning with Epilepsy – Michael McKillop MBE – Four Time Paralympic champion, person with epilepsy, motivational speaker and Epilepsy Ireland Ambassador
- 4:25 PM - 4:30 PM: Closing Remarks
REGISTRATION
To register for this event, click the button below to register on Eventbrite.
Please note..
If you need any information or support regarding epilepsy as you progress on your journey with the condition or as you support a loved one living with the condition, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer. Catherine Caffery is the Community Resource Officer covering the Galway region. You can find their details by visiting the 'Our Local Services' section of our website.