TY Teen Talk

Cork County Council in association with Healthy Ireland organised a “Talk for Teens” for TY students on the 1st of May 2018 at the Radisson Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork. Topics covered by the speakers were fitness, healthy eating, health & wellbeing and mental health. TY students who were involved in Amber Flag, Operation Transformation or after school coaching were given the opportunity to attend.

The event was opened by Minister Jim Daly and Mayor Cllr Declan Hurley. Both gave motivational speeches outlining their own story, struggles and triumphs. Former Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, was MC for the morning and spoke of her own inspirational story as a Rose and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and globally. Following Maria was Olympian Rob Heffernan, who spoke of his own journey, from humble beginnings in a working class family from the North side of Cork, to the 2012 Olympics, to starring on Dancing with the Stars. Dr Pixie McKenna, a TV celebrity and GP, gave an entertaining yet highly informative talk about the physical side of being a teenager, and how to take care of our bodies. Following a short break, Niall “Bressie” Breslin gave a truly inspirational speech on his own struggle with mental illness. The talks were enjoyable yet informative and the students in attendance all enjoyed the day immensely.