Active Disability Ireland National Conference – Speaking as Ambassador on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On 3rd December – the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – I had the honour of speaking at the Active Disability Ireland National Conference, Influencing & Challenging. As an official Brand Ambassador, it was a privilege to contribute to a day dedicated to leadership, inclusion, and amplifying the voices and lived experiences of the disability community.

The event opened with a Ministerial Address from Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy. He spoke about the importance of inclusive systems, representation, and the need to support visibility and opportunity for disabled people across all sectors of Irish society.

At 10:45am, I delivered my Personal Reflection session. I spoke about trauma, resilience, recovery, and the journey that took me from near-fatal injury in my teens to becoming a Guinness World Record-holding powerlifter at sixty. The response from the audience was extraordinary. Engagement was so strong that the fireside conversation with the MC continued well beyond the allotted time – questions and discussion flowed naturally. It was clear that the themes of perseverance, inclusion, and challenging expectations resonated deeply with those in attendance.

The conference also included powerful contributions from speakers such as Jay Lusted, Chloe Whelan, Mei Lin Yap, and Rob Hartnett, each offering invaluable perspectives on empowerment, perception, lived experience, and the need to challenge long-held assumptions. Being part of such a strong and diverse line-up was a real privilege.

The day reinforced a message that aligns strongly with my own life and work:

Disability does not define ability, ambition, or human potential.

I am immensely proud to represent Active Disability Ireland in their mission to promote visibility, participation, and inclusion. As we move into 2026, I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive national conversation around disability, resilience, and empowerment.