Micheál Carrigy

Overall sentiment: 0.21
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I acknowledge the good work in the area of dementia supports. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has done a huge amount of work over the years, as has the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. At the weekend, I happened to be watching the London marathon and saw a young guy by the name of Jordan Adams running it with a fridge on his back to signify the weight that he carries, given that he has a gene that means he will develop frontotemporal dementia, FTD, which will shorten his life. His mother was of Irish heritage and 11 members of their family have died from this. Having started in Antrim, he and his brother are running a marathon in all 32 counties in Ireland. This is particularly personal to me. My mother Eilish passed away from dementia during Covid and I have seen what that did to her and to us as a family in trying to deal with it. I have also seen the support we were given when we went looking for it, particularly from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, to help us through that. I would ask people across the country, and Members, to look up where the marathon is taking place in their county and support these men who are looking to highlight dementia. On Thursday, 28 May, they will finish in Merrion Square. I ask that Members please be there to support them.

Sentiment score: 0.21