Past TEDx event

TEDxAthlone

The Ripple Effect

Took placeFebruary 12, 20267:00 PM - 10:00 PM (GMT+0)
LocationAthlone, Westmeath, Ireland
FormatStandard
Change doesn’t always start with a grand gesture — it often begins with a single moment, a simple idea, or one courageous act. From that point, it spreads outward, touching lives, reshaping communities, and inspiring new possibilities. At TEDxAthlone 2026: The Ripple Effect, we explore how change moves through our world — from personal transformation and creative innovation to cultural evolution and regional renewal. From the heart of the Midlands, our speakers will share stories of how their ideas and actions have created ripples of impact — across industries, communities, and within themselves. Together, we’ll discover that even the smallest spark of change can grow into something far greater than we ever imagined. TEDxAthlone Privacy Notice 1. Who we are: TEDxAthlone is the organiser of the TEDxAthlone event and is the data controller for the personal data collected in connection with this event. 2. What data we collect: When you register for this event, we collect the following personal data: - Name - Email address 3. Why we collect your data: Your personal data is collected and processed for the following purposes: - To administer your registration and attendance at TEDxAthlone - To communicate essential event-related information - To share your email address with TED for the sole purpose of issuing a post-event feedback survey 4. Legal basis for processing - The legal basis for processing your personal data is your explicit consent, provided at the point of registration. 5. Data sharing - Your email address will be shared with TED solely for the purpose of distributing a post-event feedback survey. - Your data will not be shared with any other third parties. 6. Data retention - Your personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined above and will be securely deleted thereafter. 7. Your rights: Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to: - Access your personal data - Request correction or deletion of your data - Withdraw your consent at any time - Lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (www.dataprotection.ie) 8. Contact us: If you have any questions about this privacy notice or how your data is processed, you can contact us at tedxathlone@gmail.com

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Andrea Woods

    Content Creator & Entertainer

    An award-winning content creator and entertainer, Andrea is known for comedy that’s quick, honest and rooted in everyday life — the kind that makes you laugh and think, "that's so true". Her work has connected with a wide and highly engaged audience through humour, relatability and straight-talking insight. Beyond social media, Andrea is a seasoned live performer and event host, and a familiar voice and face across television, radio and podcasts. Unapologetically authentic, she brings warmth, wit and real connection to every stage she steps onto.

  • Ashley McDonnell

    Founder, Ireland Fashion Week

    Ashley McDonnell is an Irish entrepreneur at the intersection of luxury and innovation. With over a decade of global experience across LVMH, Dior, Google, and PUIG, she has led digital transformation initiatives from Paris and Geneva to key luxury markets in China and the Middle East. In 2025, she launched the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week, celebrating Irish creativity and sustainability, and is the founder of Tech Powered Luxury, a platform exploring the future of fashion, technology, and culture.

  • Athlone Town AFC

    Women's Premier Division FAI Cup Champions

    Competing at the highest level of the Women’s Premier Division, and crowned FAI Women’s Cup champions in 2023 and 2025, this team represents far more than success on the pitch. Their story is one of collective belief, resilience and pride of place — of backing one another, representing community, and showing what becomes possible when ambition is shared. As champions and leaders, their impact continues to ripple far beyond football. We’re delighted to include members of this remarkable team as part of #TEDxAthlone’s inaugural event, and as a powerful expression of this year’s theme, The Ripple Effect.

  • Barbara Quinn and Ray Bell

    STEM & Community Innovators

    As programme manager for Ericsson’s INFUSE initiative, Barbara Quinn has helped engage tens of thousands of young people in STEM, software engineering, and ICT — with Athlone at the heart of a programme driving long-term opportunity through education. Ray Bell, head of information systems with Offaly County Council, works at the intersection of education, government, and industry to support innovation, talent development, and inclusive growth across the Midlands. Together, they invite us to consider what becomes possible when STEM education is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.

  • Ciaran Mullooly

    Member of the European Parliament

    Ciaran Mullooly is an MEP for Midlands–North-West and a former RTÉ journalist with 26 years’ experience. Ciaran’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to community, accountability and the power of local voices. His work reflects how ideas rooted in place can influence wider systems — and how meaningful change often begins close to home.

  • Dave Duke

    Content Creator & Radio Presenter

    From how we say “sorry” when it’s not an apology, to why “grand” can mean absolutely anything, Dave Duke has built a devoted audience by exploring the quirks, contradictions and quiet codes of Irish life. A multi-award-winning radio presenter, DJ and content creator, Dave is one half of iRadio’s drivetime duo Dave & Fionnuala. Beyond the airwaves, his sharp, funny and deeply observant content has resonated with people at home and far beyond Ireland.

  • Dr Aoife Lane

    Academic, Researcher & Leader in Gender Equality in Sport

    Named among the “50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport 2025,” Dr Aoife Lane is a national leader in gender equality, sport and health. With a background in sport science and public health, she has dedicated her career to improving visibility, participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls in sport. A co-founder of the Women’s Gaelic Players Association, her work shapes research, policy and societal change.

  • Dr Niamh Hynes

    Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, Clinical Lecturer & Principal Investigator

    Dr Niamh Hynes is a leading vascular surgeon with more than 12 years of clinical experience. She is also co-founder of the Western Vascular Institute and a clinical lecturer at University of Galway. A Taighde Éireann Principal Investigator, she leads a major CÚRAM–Boston Scientific research programme and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers. With multiple patents and 18 international awards, she is one of Ireland’s most accomplished medical innovators.

  • Gareth Sheridan

    Entrepreneur & NASDAQ-Listed CEO

    Gareth Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nutriband Inc., an Irish company that made the leap from startup to NASDAQ-listed global healthcare innovator. A recognised voice in the pharmaceutical sector, Gareth has appeared across BBC, RTÉ and Newstalk, was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, and in 2025 made national headlines as the youngest person in Ireland to secure a local authority nomination for the Presidency. He is also the author of From No to NASDAQ, an honest account of building something meaningful when belief is tested and rejection is constant.

Organizing team