Shannon Gael’s Healthy One Club organising ‘Health is Wealth’ event

With an estimated one in five adults suffering from mental health problems, debate around the issue has never been more important. With that in mind Shannon Gael’s Healthy One Club is organising a special event ‘Health is Wealth’ – Fuel Your Body & Mind, focusing on positive health and wellbeing.

This event, which takes place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21st will have a host of inspirational speakers, showcasing their stories in overcoming adversity and challenges in their lives. Their bravery in telling their stories is a platform for others to learn from these experiences. They will also be joined by professionals and experts in their field in the area of positive mental health.

Speaking about the motivation to organise the event Nuala O’Beirne, Health and Well Being Officer for Shannon Gaels One Club said: "This event follows on from the great success of previous ‘Health is Wealth’ events. It is an opportunity for our local community and beyond to listen to guest speakers in the area of positive mental health promotion and emotional wellness, and to learn from their professional and personal stories.” 

Seamus Sweeney, Chairperson of Shannon Gaels One Club, said that he was "very proud that the club is hosting this free event. It is an opportunity to give back to the local community and a space to highlight the many challenges and supports that are available for all age groups from all walks of life.” 

Singer Charlie McGettigan will act as MC for the night, introducing a range of speakers who will discuss their own experiences while also offering motivational advice and guidance.

Among the speakers will be Peter Townsend, a recovery coach and inspirational speaker. His own story is a lesson for all. “I am in recovery from a substance use disorder and destructive way of life. I have recovered from a hopeless state of body, mind, and soul. With this recovery, I have gained a passion for helping others who are still suffering. I have spent the best part of my life addicted to most substances available, with many years spent addicted to heroin and crack cocaine.

“Not only was I physically and psychologically addicted to numerous substances, but I had spent a lifetime involved in criminality and all that the lifestyle brought with it. I found a way out! I have managed to completely change my thought patterns, destructive behaviours, spiritual disease and in turn my entire life. I have a lived experience of all the horrors active addiction brings, along with all the disfunction and madness that comes with being in active addiction. Not only what it does to the individual but what it does to the entire family,” he said.

Another person who will be speaking of her own background is Chloe Heaslip from ‘Be Buddies Not Bullies.’ When Chloe’s 18-year-old brother Eden took his own life in 2021 after years of bullying, she was motivated, despite her grief, to prevent another family from experiencing the same pain. Together with her brother and parents, Chloe set up the ‘Be Buddies Not Bullies’ anti-bullying campaign. She works tirelessly to raise awareness and campaigns for anti-bullying legislation.

Also in attendance on the night will be Oisin McConville, GAA sports star and pundit. Oisin was a star on the pitch, but a gambling addict off it - he even considered suicide, but has since trained as a counsellor and shares his story to inspire others to seek help.

South Derry’s Frank Diamond will also speak at the event. He is Operations Manager of ALPS (All Lives are Precious), a community-based mental health charity that delivers training on mental health, well-being, resilience and QPR suicide prevention. The charity also offers free counselling services to those who need support.

Cora Staunton, GAA sports star and pundit will also address the audience. Cora is best known as a ladies' Gaelic footballer, winning four All-Irelands and three Ladies' National Football League titles with Mayo. She has also been an All Star on eleven occasions. In 2018 she made her Australian rules football debut in the AFLW competition for the Greater Western Sydney Giants, establishing herself by 2022 as one of the league's all-time great goal kickers. She has also played for the Ireland women's international rules football team.

Dr Eimear McGuire, is a Consultant Psychiatrist who is attached to the Sligo-Leitrim mental health services, and in the past has highlighted how alcohol and drug abuse are huge risk factors for mental illness.

Also speaking at the event will be Aisling O’Reilly who specialises in meditation and mindfulness and advises on how they can help in tackling poor mental health while also explaining her own journey.

The night will conclude with a performance from Charlie McGettigan and entertainment by the local Croghan Community Choir.

The event, in conjunction with media sponsors, the Roscommon Herald, is FREE to all and the organisers are inviting local organisations in the area of mental health to display stands on the night.

“We expect this event will attract all age groups from adolescents, to young and old, parents, guardians, grandparents and other professionals with an interest in promoting mental health,” said Nuala O’Beirne.

“While Shannon Gaels One Club is the host, we will be promoting this event to all the community and expect the location of the venue will have attendance from Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim.

“So let’s talk, join us in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon on February 21st. Fuel your mind and body.”