Mon Dec 09 13:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Irish Teen Autism Campaigner Delivers Keynote Address at Colin Farrell’s Charity Launch

**Chicago, IL** – Fourteen-year-old Cara Darmody, an autism campaigner from County Tipperary, Ireland, delivered a powerful keynote address at the inaugural launch of actor Colin Farrell’s new charity foundation in Chicago last night. The event, attended by 1,200 guests, saw Darmody highlight the critical shortcomings of Ireland’s special needs assessment and provision system, calling it a “national disgrace.”

Darmody, whose brothers both have autism, described the devastating impact of delays in assessments and services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). She detailed how the lack of timely intervention has caused irreversible damage to her older brother’s severe, non-verbal autism.

Farrell, whose son has Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder, personally invited Darmody to speak. He reportedly told her parents that he was inspired by her advocacy and determined to support her cause. The Colin Farrell Foundation, launched this summer, aims to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Darmody’s campaign has already achieved significant results in Ireland, securing over €17 million in government funding for special needs assessments and services. She has also raised awareness of the issue through protests outside the Irish parliament and meetings with government officials.

In her address, Darmody recounted the struggles her family faced navigating the HSE system, emphasizing the lengthy delays (four to five years) in obtaining assessments and the lack of subsequent services. She stated that the situation in Ireland constitutes an “international embarrassment.”

Following the event, an emotional Darmody described the experience as “surreal,” expressing gratitude for Farrell’s support and the opportunity to address such a prominent audience. Her father, Mark Darmody, expressed immense pride in his daughter’s achievement and praised Farrell for his commitment to the cause.

Read More