Speaker Biographies

Conor Cusack

Conor Cusack hails from the town of Cloyne, situated in the East Cork region. He has played hurling with his native GAA club since he was five years of age and has also represented Cork at Senior Inter County level. He works for a large multi-national Medical Devices company in Cork as a Project Engineer.

He recently wrote a blog post about his experiences with depression and the impact it had on his life. His desire is that his story will give hope and comfort to others that may be struggling and help to reduce the stigma and taboo associated with Mental Health issues. Conor’s message is that depression and mental health problems can and do affect us all in some way, whether it be with ourselves, a family or community member, a friend , work or sporting colleague. He emphasises that reaching out and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a tremendous act of courage and strength.

Dr. Harry Barry

Dr Harry Barry is a Drogheda based practitioner who has almost 35 years experience as a medical doctor with most of that spent as a GP. He has a long standing interest in mental health and in particular in improving our understanding of the role of neuroscience in both the cause and indeed the treatment of the main mental health illnesses such as major depression, anxiety disorders, addiction and indeed suicide itself.

His most recent books include ‘Flagging Stress – toxic stress and how to avoid it’ (Liberties Press) examine chronic stress and its effects on mental and physical health; and ‘Flagging Depression – a practical guide’ (Liberties Press) demonstrating how a holistic 4 step approach can assist many with this illness on the journey back to mental health.

Niamh Hayden

Niamh Hayden is the Human Resources Manager for Glanbia Ingredients Ireland. She is responsible for HR at the existing Glanbia factories in Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny, Virginia Co Cavan and the new plant that is under construction at Belview near Waterford city.