Over 150 people support the Heart of Autism ball

By Mary Dennehy

MORE than 150 people gathered for the annual Heart of Autism Ball in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, last Saturday – alongside a number of high-profile guests supporting the evening.

Organised by parent-led group Social Circle, an organisation dedicated to the provision of social, sporting and cultural activities for local children on the autism spectrum, the gala ball raised awareness of and funds for Social Circle and My Canine Companion.

Run voluntarily by parents Mairead Mekki, Tallaght, and Laura Hegarty, Walkinstown, Social Circle has more than 120 member families, who engage in a number of weekly activities, such as art, Lego clubs, music therapy, science, football and swimming – with families also enjoying monthly trips and camps.

On Saturday, April 1, members of the community gathered to support the group while enjoying an evening of glamour, casino fun, music and food in the Maldron Hotel.

A number of guests also attended on the evening, including Tallaght Person of the Year Simon Sweeney, Deputy Mayor Martina Genockey, comedian Patrick McDonnell, Louise Gallagher, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, and Cliona and Niall Ruddy from My Canine Companion.

Adam Harris from ASIAM, a charity set up to educate the public about autism while acting as an advocate and at the same time empowering the autism community in Ireland, was also in attendance.

Parents Mairead Mekki and Laura Hegarty, who voluntarily run Social Circle, told The Echo: “We would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a great success, from the staff in the Maldron, local businesses and supporters, and all of the Social Circle parents who joined us on the evening.

“We’re looking forward to next year already.”

Social Circle, which caters for families in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan, Templeogue, Walkinstown and other South Dublin communities, is always open to new members. For further information, call 087 3437471, visit the Social Circle Facebook page or email socialcircleasd@gmail.com