Offaly man to speak at TEDx event in Athlone

Offaly man Ray Bell will form part of the line-up at the inaugral TEDx Athlone event taking place this Thursday.

Taking place in Athlone's Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday, February 12, the event will bring together speakers from across the region and beyond to share fresh perspectives on creativity, innovation, community and resilience.

Mr Bell, head of information systems with Offaly County Council, works at the intersection of education, government, and industry to support innovation, talent development, and inclusive growth across the Midlands.

He will join programme manager for Ericsson’s INFUSE initiative, Barbara Quinn, who has helped engage tens of thousands of young people in STEM, software engineering, and ICT with Athlone at the heart of a programme driving long-term opportunity through education.

Together, they invite the audience to consider what becomes possible when STEM education is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.

The duo will be joined on the night by Gareth Sheridan is the founder and CEO of Nutriband, Social Media Creator & Radio Presenter Dave Duke, and a host of other inspiring speakers.

The theme of the night is 'The Ripple Effect', and explores how change moves through our world — from personal transformation and creative innovation to cultural evolution and regional renewal.