Galway Autism Patnership Coordinator – Aisling ColreavyAisling has been with GAP since April 2017GAP was formed in 2011 by a group of proactive parents and adults on the autism spectrum to help each other with information and general support. Our membership consists of parents, people on the autism spectrum, family members, teachers, volunteers and those working with people who are living with ASD and other additional needs e.g. Intellectual Disability. One of the objectives of GAP is to provide information for families and individuals living with ASD. This ranges from general ASD information and interventions to building an extensive local knowledge which is beneficial to our members. This includes road mapping the “post-diagnostic” route, services available for those living with ASD and activities such as sports, recreation, etc. which may add quality to our members lives and their families.The Irish Autism Society - Denis SextonThrough information services, we have helped thousands of people, parents, families, educators, students and health sector workers. In addition to our phone-line, we have an extensive library available where books can be rented or purchased.The Irish Society for Autism believes that research is vitally important to improve the quality of life of people with Autism and their families.Over the years our organisation has conducted research in numerous areas relating to Autism and will continue to do so into the future. You can view our research studies below. You can also find information regarding various research topics and studies being undertaken by other individuals and organisations.Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. The ability to develop friendships is impaired, as is their capacity to understand other people’s feelings.  All people with Autism have impairments in social interaction social communication and imagination. This is referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’. “Autism is a severe disorder of communication, socialisation and flexibility in thinking and behaviour, which involves a different way of processing information and of seeing the world” – Jordan, 1997.The generally accepted rate of prevalence of people with Autism is approximately 1 in 100. However, in 2016 a policy advice report by the National Council for Special Education on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Schools, noted that 1 in 65, or 1.5%, of the school going population in Ireland had a diagnosis of Autism.On December 18th 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, declaring that April 2nd of each year will mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). The declaration expressed deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of Autism in Children in all regions of the world and the consequential developmental challenges. It called on all countries, UN bodies, international organisations, and non-governmental groups to take steps to raise awareness of Autism.

‘A Class Quite Distinct – West of Ireland Herdsmen in the 19th Century’ offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the individuals many of whom were in the employment of landlords throughout County Galway and indeed many of whose descendants continue to live locally to this day.West of Ireland herdsmen, according to one expert, Roger Richards, in the 1890s, formed ‘a class quite distinct from any employed in any of the English districts, being neither shepherds nor bailiffs and yet a compound of both’. Numerous in Counties Galway and Roscommon, where they were employed by landlords and large graziers, they were responsible workers, liable for damage to their employers’ stock, whether caused by ‘hogs, dogs, bogs, or thieves’, in their own phrase.The talk describes the anachronistic working conditions of the herds, and considers the efforts of their Herds’ Associations through which they defended their position against employers and tenants’ movements during the land war and after. It was delivered by Dr. John Cunningham of NUI Galway.

https://johnfcunningham.weebly.com/western-herdsmen-in-19th-century.html

Saint Sister: Gemma Doherty & Morgan MacIntyreSaint Sister is an electronic folk or 'atmosfolk' duo from Ireland.Formed in November 2014, this new project from Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty draws from early Celtic harp traditions, 60s folk and electronic pop to create ‘atmosfolk'—a mix of soulful vocal harmonies, dreamy synth and electro-acoustic harp.Following their debut performance on Irish television, they opened for Arcade Fire’s Will Butler in Whelan’s. April saw them support San Fermin (Downtown records), and tour Ireland with Dublin band Spies. In August, the band entered the studio for the first time to record their debut EP with Alex Ryan (bassist with Hozier), which is scheduled for release on Trout Records November 13th, 2015. Over the coming months they will commence an Irish tour with Wyvern Lingo and O Emperor.

https://johnfcunningham.weebly.com/western-herdsmen-in-19th-century.html

Inni-K @innikmusicNamed by RTÉ.ie as “one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture”, Dublin-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Inni-K (Eithne Ní Chatháin) has received consistent praise for her fresh style of indie-folk since the 2015 release of her acclaimed album ‘The King has Two Horse’s Ears’. Inni-K’s eagerly-awaited second album, titled ‘The Hare & the Line’, is out March 2019. 'The Hare & the Line' presents a more raw, more affecting collection of songs than Inni-K’s previous work; a collection varied in tone, and showing the maturity of these past years spent engaged in music. Inni-K's music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her music combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics (bilingual at times), and a unique approach to song-writing. Having shared stages with various renowned musicians including Malian kora master Toumani Diabaté, drummer Jeff Ballard, Glen Hansard, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Hannigan, and many more, Inni-K is becoming a well-established presence in Irish music.

Inni-K @innikmusicNamed by RTÉ.ie as “one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture”, Dublin-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Inni-K (Eithne Ní Chatháin) has received consistent praise for her fresh style of indie-folk since the 2015 release of her acclaimed album ‘The King has Two Horse’s Ears’. Inni-K’s eagerly-awaited second album, titled ‘The Hare & the Line’, is out March 2019. 'The Hare & the Line' presents a more raw, more affecting collection of songs than Inni-K’s previous work; a collection varied in tone, and showing the maturity of these past years spent engaged in music. Inni-K's music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her music combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics (bilingual at times), and a unique approach to song-writing. Having shared stages with various renowned musicians including Malian kora master Toumani Diabaté, drummer Jeff Ballard, Glen Hansard, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Hannigan, and many more, Inni-K is becoming a well-established presence in Irish music.

DOOLIN' Doolin’, formed in Toulouse in 2005, comprises six accomplished and eclectic musicians who have gained fame through their music. French in origin – though easily mistaken for Irish musicians – this sextet (guitar, bodhrán, violin, tin whistle, accordion/vocals, bass) brings a fresh approach to Irish music. Inspired by the purest tradition, Doolin’ combines instrumentals, vocals and original compositions in a resolutely modern style. The arrangements, at times taking their inspiration from pop-rock, folk, jazz, funk or even rap (and always in the best taste), emit great energy.That’s Doolin’ – Irish music with a French touch!Doolin’ is an Irish music group whose name derives from the little village of musical fame in south-west Ireland. Born in 2005 from an encounter between six accomplished musicians, from its inception Doolin’ have perfected a mixture of novel musical genres. Whilst some of the band were immersed in the world of traditional Irish music, and others were active in the jazz scene or in the pop rock wave of the eighties and nineties, they found a common love in traditional Irish music. From ballads to furiously fast jigs, from their own compositions to traditional tunes, Doolin’ offers a rich palette of sound. From the intimate atmosphere of an Irish pub to the spectacle of the concert stage, this sextet has been support act to major names such as Altan, Kevin Burke, Martin Hayes and Mairtín O’Connor. Members of Doolin’ have played with Carlos Nuñez and Dan Ar Braz and the major Irish flute player Desi Wilkinson (De Dannan, Cran) have rejoined the group for a tour in 2006. Habitués of prestigious venues where they seduce the audience by their unassailable energy, this French group plays homage to Irish music throughout France and Europe.

Helplink Support Services is a charitable organisation that provides accessibleMental Health & Conflict Resolution services(locally in the West of Ireland and nationally/internationally online)Irish Abroad Counselling Service: With support in the past from the Minister for Diaspora, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the GAA, An Post and other agencies we provide our unique free, online Irish abroad counselling service for Irish citizens living abroad. The service is available to current Irish passport holders globally (time zone dependent). In 2019 Helplink expanded this service to support returning Irish emigrants as well, through self referral directly to us or through our referral partners Crosscare Migrant Project, Safe Home Ireland and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO).Online Mediation Service: in addition we provide Ireland’s first Online Mediation Service – the reasoning behind setting up this service is because we wanted to support people who are in conflict and either cannot or should not be in the same room with each other; but they still need to sort out disputes such as child access and financial matters.

Irish Abroad Online Counselling Service (IAOCS) – supporting Irish citizens living abroad with their emotional support needs 7 days a week!This service is also available for returning Irish emigrants – must register for appointment within 3 months of return.Over the past six years our Irish based, Garda vetted Counsellors have been supporting the Irish abroad that have been experiencing the following: bullying, depression, loneliness, lack of a familiar support structure, transitional stress and anxiety, displacement, self-esteem and addiction issues…From listening to the needs of our clients’ through their stories and analysing current and previous research, we have found that Diaspora (emigrants) are very unlikely to make use of counselling services in their adopted country of residence. Those who attempt to engage report barriers experienced with culturally unaware counsellors making the counselling process more difficult among other aspects.Examples of these stories that are reflected in decades of multi-cultural counselling research are available here: ‘Research Links‘; for more on this topic plen 2006. Habitués of prestigious venues where they seduce the audience by their unassailable energy, this French group plays homage to Irish music throughout France and Europe.

Director and Lead Actor Liam O Mochain In 1996, Liam wrote and produced the short film 'Fortune', in which he also co- starred with Derdriu Ring ('Law and Order: Criminal Intent'), and Maire Stafford ('Felica's Journey'). The short had its world premiere at the Manchester Int. Short Film Festival and won best short film at the 1998 Worldfest Houston Int. Film Festival.Liam made his feature debut in 1999 as a writer/director/producer with 'The Book That Wrote Itself'. The film starring Liam O Mochain and Antoinette Guiney featured George Clooney, Kenneth Branagh, Melanie Griffith and Chazz Palaminteri in cameo roles. The film world premiered at the 1999 Galway Film Fleadh and int. premiere at the 1999 Vancouver Int. Film Festival. It went on to screen at a further 20 int. film festivals worldwide and won a critics prize at the 1999 Austin Film Festival. Liam has directed/produced more than 20 documentaries and TV shows for RTE and TG4 (national broadcasters in Ireland).Lost and Found: Seven strangers with very different stories have one thing in common: they are all searching for something. Their lives unexpectedly intertwine at a small lost and found office in an Irish train station.

Director and Lead Actor Liam O Mochain In 1996, Liam wrote and produced the short film 'Fortune', in which he also co- starred with Derdriu Ring ('Law and Order: Criminal Intent'), and Maire Stafford ('Felica's Journey'). The short had its world premiere at the Manchester Int. Short Film Festival and won best short film at the 1998 Worldfest Houston Int. Film Festival.Liam made his feature debut in 1999 as a writer/director/producer with 'The Book That Wrote Itself'. The film starring Liam O Mochain and Antoinette Guiney featured George Clooney, Kenneth Branagh, Melanie Griffith and Chazz Palaminteri in cameo roles. The film world premiered at the 1999 Galway Film Fleadh and int. premiere at the 1999 Vancouver Int. Film Festival. It went on to screen at a further 20 int. film festivals worldwide and won a critics prize at the 1999 Austin Film Festival. Liam has directed/produced more than 20 documentaries and TV shows for RTE and TG4 (national broadcasters in Ireland).Lost and Found: Seven strangers with very different stories have one thing in common: they are all searching for something. Their lives unexpectedly intertwine at a small lost and found office in an Irish train station.

Director Lee Cronin Lee Cronin is an Irish writer and director. His debut feature film The Hole in the Ground (2019) that had it's world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. He is previously well known for the award winning Ghost Train (2013) which won the Méliès d'Argent for Best European Fantastic Short film. Earlier in his career, he wrote and directed the short films Billy & Chuck (2011) and Through the Night (2010)The Hole in the Ground; One night, Sarah's young son disappears into the woods behind their rural home. When he returns, he looks the same, but his behavior grows increasingly disturbing. Sarah begins to believe that the boy who returned may not be her son at all.