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AsIAm has a vision for Ireland as a place where every autistic person is accepted “as they are” …
AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, has been working on a series of stories of celebrated people sharing their most valued possessions. From Colin Farrell and Sebastian Barry to Rachael Blackmore, Lynn Ruane and Alisha Weir and many more, THE GLOSS is proud to partner with AsIAm and bring you a story a month.
This Autism Acceptance Month, read some of their stories:
Actor, Colin Farrell
“This bench means a lot to me as a memento from such a special time spent with the most amazing cast and crew, on the Island of Inis Mór in Autumn of 2021. It was placed – and remained for the duration of our time shooting – just outside the cottage that was erected as Siobhán and Pádraic’s house …”
Jockey, Rachael Blackmore
“Every March, one jockey sitting in the weigh room at Cheltenham gets to pack this small, unassuming Gold Cup into their bag on the Friday evening when The Festival comes to an end. I was lucky enough to be that person in 2022 when A Plus Tard, in the colours of Cheveley Park Stud and trained by Henry de Bromhead, won The Cheltenham Gold Cup. It’s the most prestigious race in jump racing, the one everyone in the industry strives to win …”
Novelist and playwright, Sebastian Barry
“I made this painting when I was five or six in Hampstead, quite soon after my family left Ireland in 1960 so my father could work in London. It’s a touch miraculous that it survives …”
Professor Mary Horgan
“I grew up with these colours – the green and gold of Kerry. My Kerry jersey reminds me of where I come from and the family, friends and community that shaped who I am, personally and professionally. The colours keep me grounded …”
Comedian, actor and author Ardal O’Hanlon
“There are paintings, furniture and family mementos I treasure, but using the ‘what would you save in a house fire’ ultimatum, my chosen object would have to be my tennis racket …”
Member of the Seanad Éireann, Lynn Ruane
“The object I have chosen is a panda bear cuddly toy that I have had since I was four years old. His eyes are gone and he lost stuffing at some stage, so he is now stuffed with a t-shirt from the 1990 World Cup! …”
Magician, Cillian O’Connor
“The one treasured possession to me is The Marvin Berglas Rising Star Award. I was honoured to be chosen as the Rising Star for 2023 by Marvin Berglas (president of the Magic Circle). This award means so much to me, not just because I was chosen as a rising star, but the fact that other recipients of this award have had a such big part to play in making me who I am today …”
Commissioner Mairead McGuinness
“What’s special isn’t the object itself, it’s the feeling it evokes every single time I put it to use. And those feelings are magnified when it rains, preferably heavily. It started in my childhood, sweeping the front yard and watching the world go by. And it has continued over the years. Sweeping (outside) isn’t for everyone, but for me it is addictive and therapeutic …”
Former Irish Honorary Consul General to New Zealand, Rodney HC Walshe
Rodney is credited with initiating the idea for the international phenomena popularly known as ‘Global Greening’ for St Patrick’s Day. This phenomena is celebrated in Seth Linder’s book, Ireland’s Greening of the World, of which Rodney is very proud. His inspiration was to help shine a light on the Irish diaspora, and the positive presence of Ireland outside the small nation …
Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships, Anna May McHugh
“I am extremely proud of my camogie medals. They mean so much to me and any opportunity I get to show them off to people who are interested in sports, gives me enormous pleasure …”
Actor, Alisha Weir
“I picked this coin as it’s very special to me. It’s a very old coin my grand-dad had from when he was a young boy, given to him by his dad, my great-grandfather …”
HOW TO SUPPORT
AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support, and special interest groups for children and adults with autism. The charity provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. AsIAm operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email ([email protected]). To find out more, visit: www.asiam.ie or donate at: www.asiam.ie/support-our-work/donate/
Portraits of Mary, Lynn, Ardal and Anna May: Conor Healy, Picture It Photography / @pictureitpix
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