Mini Thriveabetes:

Mind Matters with Type 1 Diabetes

Mini Thriveabetes: Mind Matters with Type 1 Diabetes took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare. The event was attended by 60 people from all over Ireland.

Dr Mark Davies speaking at Thriveabetes 2018

This Mini Thriveabetes was a half-day version of our full Thriveabetes conference.

The day began with the usual welcome from Thriveabetes cofounder, Grainne and marked the 10-year anniversary since the very first “experiment” that is now the Thriveabetes Conference. This was followed by Ms Caroline O’Neill, who spoke about the importance of finding other people with diabetes and what to expect at the Clare Type 1 Diabetes meetups.

Our keynote speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, from Belfast City Hospital, presented “Beyond the Numbers: Coping, Motivation, and Mental Well-Being with Diabetes”. This was an interactive session where people felt comfortable enough to share the most challenging aspects of living with diabetes.

The second half of the event featured a panel discussion with six people living with type 1 diabetes from all ages of diagnosis.

I’m including a Facebook post below from Type 1 on the Run, Aisling, who sums up her key takeaways perfectly.

Our photo gallery below was captured by Charlotte Cole.

  • More detailed information about the Mini Thriveabetes Speaker and Panellists is available on our Speakers Page.

    Keynote Speaker: Dr Mark Davies, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Belfast City Hospital. 

    Diabetes Lived Experience Panel

    Moderated by Erin Dolan, Diabetes Health Coach.

    Erin is a certified health coach, speaker, world traveller, and type 1 diabetes advocate

    with over 33 years of lived experience. Her mission is to empower and uplift others on their diabetes journey through talks, workshops, and programmes rooted in mindfulness and emotional balance. As the creator of Crazy About Diabetes, she helps people improve their relationship with food, support their mental health, and prevent diabetes burnout. Connect with Erin on Instagram and Facebook @crazyaboutdiabetes

    Lived Experience Panellists

    Tim Gilmore, Roscommon, diagnosed age 8, 29 years ago.

    Diagnosed with T1D at eight with no family history the learning curve was steep for all of us. Like any child I tested limits by playing sport, taking risks often without fully understanding my condition. Over 29 years diabetes has been my greatest challenge and my defining strength, shaping the man I am today. Acceptance came slowly, but speaking openly about my journey transformed my life. It helped me excel in sport and my career. Educating those around me has been empowering, turning my condition from a private struggle into a shared understanding that fuels connection and resilience. Tim now works as a Risk and Assurance Manager. Connect with Tim on Instagram @Tim_type1d

    Cameron Keighron, Galway, diagnosed age 16.

    Cameron was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 16. Moving away from home for college presented a number of challenges with managing their diabetes care. They got involved with a programme called D1 Now in 2014 because they wanted to help improve the care and support young adults with diabetes received, recognising that managing diabetes care is tough and sometimes overwhelming. They are passionate about including the voices of young adults in diabetes research, understanding that in order to instil change, those with real lived experience but be at the forefront of the conversation.

    Jean Langford, Limerick, diagnosed age 11, 19 years ago.

    Jean Langford is Head of Program at #dedoc°, an international diabetes advocacy support organisation. A graduate of International Business Studies, Jean is deeply involved in diabetes advocacy and volunteering, contributing to the Midwest Diabetes Advocacy Group, IDF Europe and Diabetes Scotland. She enhances her advocacy by sharing insights at medical conferences and through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Connect with Jean on Instagram and Facebook at @the_dia_being_mindset

    Ashling O'Kelly, Limerick, diagnosed age 42, 7 years ago.

    Ashling O’Kelly, from Limerick, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 42, seven years ago, after initially being misdiagnosed with type 2 due to her age. She works in finance and is passionate about improving diabetes care in Ireland. Ashling has spoken out about the urgent need for a national diabetes register and her disappointment with the unequal standard of care across Ireland.

    Paula Short, son diagnosed age 7, 12 years ago.

    Paula is a psychotherapist living in Galway. Paula's son was diagnosed at age 7 in 2013. She has many years of experience of the profound psychological impact of living with diabetes and see the importance of psychological support in navigating the changes to all in the family. Connect with Paula through her website: www.paulashort.net

    Aoife Willis, Limerick, diagnosed age 20, 12 years ago.

    I’m a Limerick lady, passionate about rowing, running and the occasional musical. I've spent over a decade navigating life living as a Type 1 Diabetic. My biggest passion is for rowing. After diagnosis, being able to get back training and competing was at the top of my mind and my biggest priority. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of being able to say I have since won an Irish Rowing Championship and continue to compete and coach. I believe Type 1s can do almost anything, once provided with the right support, access to knowledge, services and technology. Connect with Aoife on Instagram @aoife_willis

    • Adults with Type 1 Diabetes or LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)

    • Adults with all types of diabetes who are insulin independent (eg 3 or more insulin injections per day)

    • Partners, spouses, friends, relatives, and significant others of individuals with Type 1 diabetes

    • Parents/guardians/carers of children or young people with Type 1 diabetes

    • Young adults and teenagers aged 13 or 16 and upwards) With Type 1 diabetes, we have created specific programmes for you around doing the Leaving Cert, going to college, going on holidays or just out with your friends or starting in the world of employment.

    • Healthcare professionals working with Type 1 diabetes - We encourage diabetes healthcare professionals to attend Thriveabetes as a learning experience.

We would like to express a huge thank you to our sponsors who made it possible for the event to be free to attend.

This programme has been supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.