The Rock of Cashel to light up in blue for Aphasia Awareness this weekend

The Rock of Cashel and Leinster House will be one of a number of public monuments and buildings that will light up in blue on Saturday next, June 3, to mark the beginning of Aphasia Awareness Month.

Aphasia is a disorder that affects how you communicate.

It can impact your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language. Aphasia usually happens suddenly after a stroke or a head injury.

Stroke survivor Martin Quinn says that Aphasia Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight what is a hidden disability.

"The impact of the disability is either ignored or underestimated by our society and yet for the 3,000 newly diagnosed people with aphasia in Ireland yearly, it has a significant impact on every aspect of their lives.

"I can testify to the impact of apahasia and I know that many people with the disability suffer in silence. It is important therefore to break the silence around the disability and to bring it into the light as we are doing with the lighting up of public buildings to mark the beginning of Aphasia Awareness Month (June).

"There will be a number of events throughout the month culminating with a Stroke Conference, where there will be a feature on Aphasia, at the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, on Monday June 26th.

"Aphasia can be isolating and no one should have to go through aphasia alone. While you celebrate summer, take a minute to gain an understanding of this medical condition and help to increase public awareness about this disorder" said Martin.

Along with the Rock of Cashel and Leinster House other buildings to light up in blue to mark the month include Powerscourt House In Wicklow, Corporate Headquarters of Limerick City and County Council and Cork City Hall.