A ripple begins: inaugural TEDx Athlone event a major success
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Athlone's first ever TEDx event was a resounding success, as the event achieved a packed house for its inaugural event.
The event, organised by MaryJo Neilan, and Orla Thornton, and supported by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), aims to become an annual staple of Athlone's social calendar.
A total of 10 speakers graced the stage of the Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday, February 12, sharing ideas, powerful talks, and inspiring conversations tied together by the theme of the night, “The Ripple Effect”.
Among the speakers were Athlone native Dr Niamh Hynes, vascular and endovascular Surgeon, clinical lecturer and principal investigator, Programme Manager for Ericsson’s INFUSE initiative, Barbara Quinn, Offaly County Council Broadband/Digital Officer, and STEAM innovator Ray Bell, and iRadio presenter and content creator Dave Duke.
Others included Academic, Researcher and Leader in Gender Equality in Sport, Dr Aoife Lane, MEP Ciaran Mullooly, award-winning comedian and content creator Andrea Woods, founder of Ireland Fashion Week Ashley McDonnell, and entrepreneur and NASDAQ-listed CEO Gareth Sheridan.
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Academic, researcher and Leader in Gender Equality in Sport Dr Aoife Lane speaking about the importance of advocating for equal opportunities in women’s sport at TEDxAthlone at the Dean Crowe Theatre.Image 2 of 6
Athlone native Dr Niamh Hynes, vascular and endovascular surgeon, clinical lecturer and principal investigator, speaking at TEDxAthlone about AI advancements improving personalised medical care.Image 3 of 6
MEP Ciaran Mullooly speaking at TEDxAthlone about taking the ‘dis’ out of disability with Lough Ree Access for All. Photos: Paulina Kusa PAULINA KUSAImage 4 of 6
Athlone Town AFC women pictured on stage at the Dean Crowe Theatre. Madison Gibson spoke of the highs and lows experienced by the team since their inception in 2020.Image 5 of 6
Mary Jo Neilan, TEDxAthlone co-organiser, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane, TUS Chief Academic Officer Professor Raphaela Kane and Orla Thornton, TEDxAthlone organiser and licensee.Image 6 of 6
iRadio presenter and content creator Dave Duke gave a hilarious talk at TEDxAthlone exploring the meaning of Irish identity. Photo: Paulina Kusa PAULINA KUSADr Niamh Hynes gave a thought-provoking talk on the potential for AI to assist in personalised medical care, making 'one size fits all' medical care a thing of the past.
“Contemporary medicine is designed on the assumption that we are all the same,” said Dr Hynes.
“Surely you want a life-saving medical device implanted that is designed just for you. Artificial intelligence is bringing us ever closer to personalised medicine.”
The impact of STEM education on industry in the Midlands and wider Ireland was discussed in a joint talk given by Ray Bell and Barbara Quinn, with Ms Quinn adding that “the ripple began here in the Midlands.”
“We believe STEM is not just education, it's opportunity and possibility which that ripples through families, communities, and industry," she said.
Other ideas discussed on the night included the true meaning of Irish identity by iRadio presenter Dave Duke, as well as Gareth Sheridan's advice on how a "growth mindset" can be the difference between perceived failure and a million-dollar idea.
For the finale of an enlightening night, the glorious Athlone Town AFC women's team took to the stage to rousing applause, with midfielder Madison Gibson sharing the triumphs and challenges faced by the team since its foundation in 2020.
Whilst the speakers fed the minds, local businesses An Olivia Chocolates, Magico Bakery and a local cheese producer provided a selection of delicious bites for attendees to taste in the Dean Crowe Theatre bar.