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An open conversation about mental health and other pressures that men can face in their lives was hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce on Friday past 22 November at Newry City AFC Social Club on Friday 22nd November.
The hugely successful event to mark International Men's Day was sponsored by Duality Healthcare and it was enjoyed by everyone who attended with the consensus that it will now be an annual event in the Chamber’s calendar.
Two panels of well-known businessmen and men from the world of sport and endeavour took to the stage with MC for the day, Kevin McAllister to speak openly about the pressures facing men in today’s world.
There were many magic moments throughout the panel discussions with each of the panellists showing a deep sense of humour that had the audience in stitches on many occasions and also displaying raw emotion and honesty around issues that all men face across family, work, performance and physical and mental health.
The Business and Leadership Panel had the all-male audience enthralled with their fantastic insight and engagement from the panellists, Gary Digney, Restructuring & Recovery Partner at AAB Group; John McEvoy, Executive Chairman of Duality Healthcare; Dr Conor Patterson, Chief Executive of Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency; Brian Reid, CEO of DELI LITES Ireland and Cathal Grant, CEO of Grant Fit Out.
A Sports and Endeavour Panel was made up of Terence ‘Banjo’ Bannon, Adventurer & Conqueror of Mount Everest; Benny Tierney, 2002 All-Ireland Winner with Armagh; Darren Mullen, Manager of Newry City AFC; Mickey Linden, Double All-Ireland Winner with Down & 1994 Footballer of the Year and Gareth McCullough, Senior Sports Reporter at Cool FM & Downtown. Once again the audience was put through another batch of mixed emotions, sharing stories and experiences that drew belly laughs and on occasions a tear to the eye of those in attendance.
The event raised valuable funds for two charities that deal with men’s mental and physical health, PIPS Hope and Support and Prostate Cancer UK. Seamus McCabe, Founder & Chief Executive of PIPS gave a brief presentation on the work of the charity and the Well-Bean Café and the event MC Kevin McAllister shared his personal story about winning his battle with Prostate Cancer.
Many of those who attended Friday’s event did not know what to expect with they arrived at the event but every one of them left the Chamber with a clear message that they enjoyed the experience immensely and insisted that it needs to become an annual event that continues to keep men talking.
Organisers wish to thank the sponsors, Duality Healthcare for their support, the MC, Kevin McAllister for compering the event, hosts, Newry City AFC and the panellists who gave so much of themselves to make this one of the most memorable events of the Chamber’s 2024 schedule.
