Clare County Council is joining forces with Ennis Medical Center and other key services in Clare to promote Men’s Health this June.
The event will take place on Thursday, June 12, at the Buttermarket, Drumbiggle, Ennis, from 9:15am to 1pm, followed by a light lunch with the option to attend a walk in Lees Road after the event.
Men’s Health Week is an international event that begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day. In 2025, it will run from Monday, June 9, to Sunday, June 15. The goals of Men’s Health Week are to: raise awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages; encourage men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities; and promote early detection and treatment of health issues in males. The event aims to empower men to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing.
Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “I am pleased to invite the whole community to this important event. While Clare County Council places huge importance on staff wellbeing, the Council is also committed to supporting the health of the entire county. I hope participants will leave the event understanding that making time for and scheduling regular checkups is a powerful step toward staying strong, living longer, and enjoying life.”
Dr. Fergus Glynn, Ennis Medical, one of the keynote speakers for the event, advocates for ‘lifestyle as medicine’, “Sustainable and achievable changes in how we live, eat, and interact with our community can have a more significant positive impact on long-term health than any medication. These changes not only improve how you feel but also enhance your overall quality of life”, he added.
Tim Forde, Clare County Council, General Manager of Sports and Recreation at Active Ennis, said, “These important check-ups can help men catch serious issues like cancer or heart disease early. Managing your health will protect your energy levels, performance, and quality of life.”
The event will cover various topics, including general health and wellbeing, exercise, nutrition, mental wellbeing and resilience, cancer awareness and prevention, and sleep hygiene. To get involved, attendees are encouraged to book their places early as spots are limited.
Samantha McCarthy, Clare County Council’s Healthy Clare Coordinator, is excited to work alongside key professionals, “I hope that by coming together shoulder to shoulder and connecting for men’s health, we can keep the men we love in our lives for as long as possible. Avoiding or skipping checkups can be detrimental. If men can take control of the conversations they have with their medical advisors their future self, their families, and colleagues will thank them for taking these proactive steps,” she added.
Speakers at the event will offer tips on making the most of medical appointments, empowering attendees to ask questions and seek clarifications from their doctors or specialists. Dr. Glynn advises individuals to “go prepared to appointments, with a list of questions to make the consultation time more productive.”
Tom Kent, Regional Literacy Coordinator with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, will be present on the day to discuss Health Literacy programs designed to give individuals confidence during their medical appointments.
Clare Library Services will host several events throughout the week to further support men’s health and wellbeing. These events aim to provide additional resources and information to help men live well.
Kilrush Community College will host a Tai Chi class for men’s health on Monday, June 9 at 7pm with Kevin Copeland. Shannon Library will hold a talk on the benefits of walking on Thursday, June 12 at 6pm with Pius Murray, while Scariff Library will hold a Tai Chi class for men’s health on Friday, June 13 at 2.30pm with Kevin Kinsella.
To book a place for these events click here.