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SpunOut.ie Blog
July, 2010
Academy of Activism Update
SpunOut Blog: Get ready for it!
As the Academy of Activism weekend draws ever closer, it's all hands to the proverbial pump at the SpunOut.ie HQ.
All the necessary bits and bobs have been ordered, the ever changing timetable has begun to settle into place and the strong list of guest speakers is coming together nicely.
So, we've put together a little information on our confirmed speakers to date. We can't wait!!
Orla Tinsley
Student and journalist Orla Tinsley has been confirmed as an 'Academy of Activism' guest speaker. Orla has been an effective, eloquent and tireless campaigner against the shocking standards of care that the Irish State provides for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers. People like Orla are our everyday inspiration and we reckon she'll have the same effect on the course participants.
Read more about Orla here and check out this article on her work.
Michael McCaughan
Journalist, researcher and writer, Michael has worked as a freelance Latin America correspondent with the Irish Times and the Guardian. Also a contributor to Village magazine and Hot Press, his books include ‘The Battle of Venezuela’ (2005) and ‘The Price Of Our Souls; Shell, Gas and Mayo’, (2008). Michael now works as an outreach worker for the Galway One World Centre and is currently finishing off his latest book, which deals with the case of imprisoned activist Mumia Abu Jamal.
Fiachra O Luain
Fiachra O Luain, who is fresh back from his adventures on the Free Gaza Flotilla will be joining us for a discussion on his activism and what motivates him. Fiachra is a peace activist and former MEP Candidate from Donegal.
More speakers to be announced soon . . .
For more information of the Academy of Activism, click here.
Mizen To Malin Charity Cycle for SpunOut.ie
Hooray for the amazing Mizen2Malin.com crew.
The Mizen to Malin Head charity cycle is a 650 km cycle set to take place between July 22nd and 24th, travelling the length of Ireland from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal.
The ambitious ‘Mizen To Malin Cycle Challenge’ follows months of serious training and several fundraisers including car washes, quizzes, a raffle and a fundraising night.
The friends will be joined by 17 friends and family who have volunteered their time to help with logistical support, including street fundraising in towns and villages along the way. All funds raised will go directly to SpunOut.ie and to Ronald McDonald house, a facility for sick children and their families.
The cycle is in memory of Bobby McCaffrey, the younger brother of one of the cyclists (Ted), who died by suicide aged 21, and also Lauren Doherty, the niece of fellow cyclist Stephen Doherty, who died of heart trouble aged 6 weeks, also in 2007. The cycle kicks off this Thursday, July 22nd, and finishes 3 days later on the 24th.
Supporters can follow progress of the cyclists on Facebook and via www.Mizen2Malin.com as well as donate online. The organisers are appealing for support, through publicity and funds, in whatever way people can help.
We had a quick chat with Ted, one of the superheroes about to undertake this amazing venture.
Click below to hear what he had to say:
Further Information:
mizen2malin.com
Cyclist Ted McCaffrey speaking on his brother Bobby:
“Bobby was a great friend to all of us. He trained as an apprentice plasterer. He was a very hard worker and enjoyed his profession. Health and fitness was a major part of Bobby's life. He trained three times a week with the St.John Bosco Boxing Club. When he was not at the boxing club, he was weight training in the garage at home.
Bobby was a very likeable person, the kind that got on with everybody. Unfortunately Bobby suffered from depression since his early teenage years. It had a major impact on his life. Bobby showed great strength and courage in times of difficulty. Thankfully Bobby was able to talk about it with his family and friends, which helped him get through a lot of tough times. Bobby was willing to try anything in order to defeat the depression. He had seen numerous doctors and councillors but the depression always came back to haunt him. He described his illness as being in a dark hole with not even a pin hole of daylight.
Sadly Bobby died by suicide on 23rd October 2007, aged 21. We know from Bobby's experience how much needs to be done in this country to improve mental health services. There needs to be an emphasis on positive youth mental health and the stigma of depression and suicide needs to be erased. We can see that Spunout.ie is working towards these ideals. Suicide is a huge problem in Ireland and we hope that by raising funds and raising awareness, we can help reduce this problem."
On street fundraising (approximate times):
Thursday July 24
Skibbereen (8.45am), Rosscarberry (9.30am), Clonakility (10.00am), Bandon (11.10am), Cork City (12.20pm), Fermoy (2.15pm), Mitchelstown (3.25pm), Cahir (4.25pm), Cashel (5.20pm)
Friday July 25th
Birr (11.15am), Ferbane (12.15 noon) , Athlone (1.25pm), Roscommon (3.20pm), Elphin (4.15pm), Carrick On Shannon (4.45pm)
Saturday July 26th
Ballyshannon (10.10am), Donegal Town (12.10am), Ballybofey and Stranorlar (1.10pm), Letterkenny (2.10pm) and Buncrana (4.30pm)
