Empowering Connections – 21st November 2025

Next Empowering Connections Event:
Friday, 21st November
Meakstown Community Centre
Tickets only €10

“My name is Tracey Hogan (née McCann) — I’m the CEO of Empowering Abilities and the founder of Empowering Connections, a movement that brings ALL ABILITIES TOGETHER through creativity, confidence, and community.

Inclusion is at the heart of everything I do. Growing up, I found it very difficult to feel connected and truly part of something. I often had to push myself far outside my comfort zone to build confidence and find my own voice — not to hide behind someone else’s footsteps, but to create my own path.

I live with a rare condition that affects my ability to verbally communicate and use my body freely and easily. Despite this, I’ve always believed in throwing myself into new experiences — even when they felt scary — because each one helped me grow stronger and more self-assured.

That’s why I created Empowering Connections — to build an inclusive space where people of all abilities can come together, feel seen and heard, and celebrate their unique strengths and talents.

Over the past year, we’ve had some truly incredible people share their gifts and stories — from Gerry Maguire (CEO of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland) to talented musicians like Paul Gantley, Lynsey Anne Core, Tanya Ray, and inspirational voices like Global Endurance Triathlete and Author Ger Prendergast, Radio DJ and Podcaster Ciaran Murray, Author Alan Fay, Laughing yoga instructor Kristina (of Laughter Yoga), Disabled Advocate and Public Speaker Dace Lazdina, and Karolina Gieron (Sound Bath facilitator).

Each person has brought something special, making Empowering Connections what it is today.

I’m so grateful for everyone’s continued encouragement, enthusiasm, and belief in what we’re creating together. We can only keep growing — because together, we truly are stronger.”