FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025

Bridging Voices Across the Atlantic: Inaugural Clonakilty Stuttering Leadership Exchange Empowers Young Leaders
U.S. and Irish participants unite in Ireland for cultural immersion, leadership training, and a celebration of stuttering pride.

Philadelphia, PA — The inaugural Clonakilty Stuttering Leadership Exchange brought together 17 young adults who stutter from the United States and Ireland for a groundbreaking program promoting personal growth, acceptance, and leadership development.

From August 1–8, 2025, participants traveled from Philadelphia to Ireland, where they immersed themselves in the country’s rich culture, sports, and history, while engaging in transformative leadership workshops and team-building activities. The program’s mission extended beyond cultural exchange—its goal was to identify and equip future leaders who happen to stutter with the tools, confidence, and vision to make a difference in their communities.

The experience was shaped by contributions from some of Ireland’s most accomplished and inspiring leaders, including:

• Gillian Coughlan, Councillor for the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District, whose captivating history lesson set the stage for the journey.
• Cian O’Neill, All-Ireland Winning Coach of the Kerry Football Team, who shared insights on how character creates champions.
• Con Burns, who introduced participants to Munster Technological University (MTU) and the sport of hurling.
• Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, World Champion boxer, who demonstrated the power of leading with love.
• Juliet Murphy, 10-time All-Ireland Football Champion, on the role of visualization and focus in winning.
• Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, who emphasized the importance of supporting and cheering for your team.
• Jarlath Burns, President of the Gaelic Athletic Association, speaking on culture and local identity at Croke Park.
• Emily Magner Hurley, soprano and County Cork native, whose voice became the trip’s soundtrack.
• Colm Burke, TD, who spoke on the global impact of the U.S.–Ireland alliance.
• Ian Doyle, Mayor of Cork City, explaining why “Local Matters” in Ireland.
• Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, who welcomed the group into his office and the history of the city.
• Councillor Damian Boylan, on Cork’s bright future.
• Michael Collins, TD, leader of the Independent Ireland political party, whose generosity and leadership left a lasting impression both in Cork and at Leinster House in Dublin.

The trip was made possible through the dedicated support of The Nolan Stuttering Foundation. President Brian Nolan organized the leadership curriculum and Dr. Joseph Donaher, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, organized the stuttering curriculum. In addition, Stuttering Awareness Mental Wellbeing Ireland, played a tremendous role in Ireland. Con Hurley providing a history of the Tricolor Flag and Thomas Francis Meagher, Michael O’Shea welcomed the group at Croke Park, and Jamie Googan lead the way across Ireland.

Participants enjoyed warm hospitality at Deanshall and Bishopstown Pub, as well as at MTU and Trinity College.

Lastly, Chad Allen and the team at Therapy Abroad were instrumental in handling our flights and bus travel in Ireland and with sound advice and guidance throughout the planning stages of the trip.

This program marks the beginning of an ongoing exchange. In 2026, the Nolan Stuttering Foundation will host young adults who stutter from Ireland in the Philadelphia region, continuing this unique tradition of cross-cultural leadership and connection.

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