Parkinson’s no obstacle for Carrantuohill challenge

By Con Dennehy

The sky’s the limit for an inspirational West Waterford man diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease as he ends an incredible 28 day adventure that saw him visit all of the EU 27 countries and scaled each of their highest elevation points.

On Sunday Ian O’Brien (42) concludes his inspirational mountain marathon when he scales Carrantuohill from Cronin’s Yard at 10.30am and has issued an open invitation to the people of Kerry to join him on his epic adventure. Father of two, Ian was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease five years ago. His adventure, titled Eur-Up-Ian, started in early June when he scaled Mont Blanc and finishes on Sunday on top of Carrantuohill, the place Ian’s love for hiking began.

“The idea came to me very early in my diagnosis. A good friend insisted I climb Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill. It acted as a metaphor for me. If I can get to the top of Ireland’s highest mountain then I can get on top of my diagnosis. This European adventure will hopefully spread that message to others living with Parkinson’s Disease.”

Pre-diagnosis was the most difficult time for Ian, not knowing what was wrong with him.

“I had slight motor related symptoms, but it was the non-motor symptoms, especially depression and anxiety that really impacted my life.”

Ian’s reaction, both to his diagnosis and since has been incredibly inspirational. Exercise has many benefits in managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of this degenerating neurological condition.

“I have embraced this philosophy as a means of managing my Parkinson’s Disease and found hiking to be my sport of choice. I am taking it to a new level with this inspiring fundraising and awareness adventure. My aims are to raise positive awareness of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease in Ireland and throughout Europe and to promote and fundraise for https://eopd.ie/ and the services available.”

Tubridy unlikely to be back on air soon

Speaking at the Oireachtas Media Committee on Wednesday deputy director general Adrian Lynch said it is untenable to have Ryan Tubridy presenting his weekday radio show while coverage of undeclared payments to him continue.

Lynch explained that the decision was an editorial one and rested with himself as the acting editor-in-chief.

According to Ian any diagnosis comes as a shock and that Parkinson’s disease is perceived to be an older person’s condition. “I am not old. Search the words “Parkinson’s Disease” on the web – you will see pictures of older people. I want to change that perception and make people aware that it affects many younger people too. Unfortunately, it is the fastest growing neurological condition and my story may become an all too familiar one”.

All donations raised will go to the charity Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland https://eopd.ie/ .

The national broadcaster RTE has been shaken by the recent Ryan Tubridy payment scandal, which has ignited a widespread debate regarding the governance, transparency, and fairness within the organisation. Tubridy, has been at the center of the controversy following revelations of additional payments made to the former Late Late Show presenter at a time when the broadcaster had told the government that all of the top 10 earners were taking a salary cut in line with their strategy to reduce costs.

Public trust has been undermined, casting doubt on the presenters future with RTE. In the wake of the scandal, there have been mounting demands for reforms, these include calls for greater transparency in the remuneration process, stricter oversight of public funds allocated to broadcasters, and the implementation of clear guidelines for fair and equitable pay structures.

Public asked to share views on new passport design

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has today launched a survey seeking the public’s input into the design of the new passport book and card.

Speaking on Wednesday Mr. Martin said, "I am delighted to launch the passport design survey which will invite the public to participate in the process of designing our next generation passport. The Irish passport is a vital document of the Irish State and it currently ranks fifth in the Henley Global Passport Index. This high ranking provides citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries. High quality design is central to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Irish Passport. "My department is currently working to identify the design and security aspects of the new passport book. As part of this process, and to encourage people to connect with the next passport book, I invite everyone to share their views in this short survey. The survey provides people with an opportunity to select aspects of Ireland’s diverse natural environment that they would like to see in the new passport book and card design."

The survey is available on gov.ie and takes roughly 5 minutes to complete.