Kildare community event to highlight Brain Health and Inclusion in Sport
FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science, is bringing its My Moving Brain initiative to Maynooth Post Primary School on Saturday, June 28
FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science, is bringing its My Moving Brain initiative to Maynooth Post Primary School on Saturday, June 28.
Hosted in partnership with Epilepsy Ireland, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, and Kildare Sports Partnership, this is the third stop in a growing national series exploring brain health and inclusion in sport for people living with neurological conditions.
Exploring Brain Health and Inclusion in Sport
Neurological conditions affect nearly one in six people in Ireland. Yet stigma, lack of understanding, and practical barriers often prevent participation in sports. My Moving Brain creates an interactive, inclusive space for conversation, connection, and hands-on activity.
The Maynooth programme will feature inspirational talks, ‘Come and Try’ sessions led by Kildare Sports Partnership and local clubs, and engaging science demonstrations from FutureNeuro researchers. Open to all ages and abilities, the event is designed to break down barriers and promote participation for everyone.
At its heart, the initiative is driven by a simple but powerful idea: physical activity should be accessible to all—especially those living with neurological conditions, who often face the greatest obstacles yet stand to gain huge benefits from being active.
Inspiring Stories to Community Action
The speaker line-up features powerful voices working for change at both local and national levels.
Returning to host the event is Dr Michael McKillop, MBE—a four-time Paralympic gold medalist living with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. In his keynote, Seizing Control: Winning with Epilepsy, McKillop confronts stigma and celebrates the strength of those navigating life with neurological conditions.
“Epilepsy is not just a medical diagnosis; it’s part of who I am,” said McKillop. “It’s crucial to challenge misconceptions and show that neurological conditions don’t have to limit a person’s potential.”
Joining him is Parkinson’s advocate Philip O’Dwyer, whose talk, Climbing the Himalayas, explores how endurance sport helps him manage early-onset Parkinson’s disease—a powerful story of adaptation and resilience.
New to the line-up is Cllr Donna Phelan, Chairperson of the Maynooth Autism Friendly Town and CEO of Community Cancer Caregivers. In her talk, Participation for All: Reimagining Sport Through the Lens of Disability and Inclusion, she will highlight how inclusive sports teams in Maynooth are opening up opportunities for all to get involved.
The programme also includes insights from Prof Norman Delanty, consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital and Principal Investigator at FutureNeuro, who will explore the vital link between brain health and physical activity.
He said, “We need to shift our focus from just treating disease to promoting overall wellness—physical, mental, and emotional,” says Prof Delanty. “If it’s good for the body, it’s good for the brain.”
Science Meets Community
Through My Moving Brain, FutureNeuro researchers are stepping outside the lab to connect with individuals and families, listen to their experiences, and showcase some of the Centre’s cutting-edge research through engaging hands-on science activities.
Support organisations—including Epilepsy Ireland—will also be present to provide practical advice and resources for sports clubs interested in becoming more inclusive.
Join Us
This free community event welcomes families, educators, sports organisations, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in brain health and inclusion.
To register, visit Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1374602566279?aff=oddtdtcreator or contact the FutureNeuro team at [email protected].