Galway parents offer insight into dealing with Diabetes
The Galway parents of a now-twenty-year-old who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of seven will offer a personal insight into their own experience, at a major conference in Dublin this April.
Thriveabetes 2026, Ireland’s only volunteer-led national Type 1 Diabetes conference, is organised by volunteers from across the country. It takes place on Saturday, April 18, at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, Northwood.
Among the key speakers is Philip Short, a Galway-based Musical Director and founder of Loughrea Youth Theatre, who works with young people aged from six to 18 teaching acting, singing and dancing.
His son Theo was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes over 13 years ago – and Philip brings a parent’s perspective to the conference, shaped by over a decade of supporting a child navigating school, sport, and adolescence while living with diabetes.
Also contributing from Galway is Philip’s wife, Paula Short, a Psychotherapist and experienced group facilitator with more than twenty years in practice.
Paula holds a Master of Arts in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in the same field.
Her professional work took on profound personal significance when her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age seven, thirteen years ago.
Paula speaks openly about the emotional and psychological adjustments families must navigate following diagnosis, highlighting the mental, emotional and physical demands placed on parents and children alike.
Cameron Keighron, originally from Sligo but living in Galway for many years; he is s former Vice-President of the Students Union at the University of Galway where he is currently working on his PhD, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 15, fifteen years ago.
Cameron is currently a Project Coordinator with the International Diabetes Federation Europe and has spent over a decade working on research, advocacy, and initiatives to improve healthcare access for young people across Ireland and Europe.
They are particularly passionate about improving access to sport and physical activity for people living with diabetes.
Together, these Galway contributors reflect the community-led nature of Thriveabetes— combining personal experience, professional expertise and long-term commitment to improving quality of life for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.
“Bringing these speakers to Dublin is a milestone,” says co-founder Gráinne Flynn, a Clare native who herself was diagnosed over 30 years ago.
“Hearing from someone who has lived with Type 1 for nearly seven decades, alongside two young women redefining visibility online is so powerful.”
Thriveabetes is a social enterprise created by Gráinne and her fellow Clare woman Christine Meehan, both of whom are living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Gráinne was diagnosed with diabetes at age 20, over thirty years ago. She created a diabetes support group in Clare in 2007 when she struggled to find the care and support, she needed to help her manage her diabetes, where she first met Christine. Christine was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in her thirties in 2006.
They are among approximately 30,000 people in Ireland who are living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that requires individuals to take insulin multiple times every day through injections or an insulin pump because their pancreas produces little or no insulin.
It also involved monitoring glucose, activity levels and ongoing education.
The conference will feature educational talks, panel discussions, opportunities to meet others living with the condition, and access to the latest diabetes technologies and devices.
Tickets available at www.Thriveabetes.ie.