Elma and Finbarr Walsh with their son Donal, a young teenager who sadlydied of cancer some years ago. Elma is one of three guest speakers at thepublic forum organised by Toomevara GAA Club this Friday

Healthy mind public meeting in toomevara

Toomevara GAA Club is hosting a public forum to discuss and debate all issues relating to a healthy mind at the local parish hall this Friday, March 27th at 7.30pm.

'A healthy mind in a healthy body' is the famous Community Games motto that was never more relevant than it is today. Perhaps we have all been guilty of emphasising a healthy body while not paying enough attention to a healthy mind. Certainly, the community games motto places equal emphasis on both.
In the past, Toomevara Greyhounds were renowned for their fleetness of foot but nowadays there is a growing realisation that we must get the balance right between mind and body. If we have the flu, we look after ourselves in the appropriate way but if we are feeling down or depressed, do we do anything about it? As a society, we are probably not that well equipped to deal with issues of the mind.
With this in mind, Toomevara GAA Club have decided to organise this Friday's forum, to which three well-known individuals have been invited to share their unique insights into the whole area.
Elma Walsh from Tralee, Co Kerry is probably best known as the mother of the late Donal Walsh, a young teenager who sadly died of cancer some years ago. Donal came to national prominence when he appeared on Brendan O'Connor's 'Saturday Night Show' while seriously ill. He spoke passionately about those thinking of taking their own lives while others like him were clinging desperately to theirs. Elma keeps the spirit of Donal alive by telling his unique story to groups all over the country.
Our second speaker will be William Maher from Ballingarry. William has the distinction of both captaining and managing Tipperary teams to All Ireland minor titles. He will speak about the pressures today on second and third level students, the right lifestyle choices to make, and the possible pitfalls out there and how best to avoid them.
Our third speaker is our own Thomas Dunne of Curraheen. Thomas' achievements are well known and he is held in the highest esteem in the parish. Thomas will speak about his own experiences in life, the high points and low points, and how to deal with both. He will speak about the potential we all have and how to maximise this to help us to be our best selves.
This promises to be a worthwhile and informative occasion and we are inviting everyone – young and old, people from Junior Cert age and up – to come along to the parish hall in Toomevara this Friday at 7.30pm. Even if you have no interest in sport, you may find this forum worthwhile, so there an open invitation for all to come along.