Colin Farrell invites Tipperary autism rights activist, 14, to speak at a charity event

The actor flew Tipperary girl Cara Darmody, 14, to Chicago after asking her to be a keynote speaker at an event hosted by the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through education, awareness, advocacy and innovation to change programs.

Cara, from Ardfinnan, is the older sister of Neil and John, who are both autistic and non-verbal.

She has spent years advocating for her brothers and other disabled people, meeting with the last three Taoisigh to demand better access to vital services.

In an Instagram post, Cara said Colin was “an amazing guy” as she told her followers about her big speech at his charity event.

She said, “COLIN FARRELL! I’m officially in dreamland!! I just got off the stage in Chicago as Colin Farrell’s keynote speaker at the Colin Farrell Foundation’s first winter gala and fundraiser for people with intellectual disabilities!!!!

“Of all the people he could have chosen in the world, I can’t believe he brought me here for this amazing honor!!! Tonight I really feel like the 2024 version of Cinderella!!!”

“It’s been the greatest honor of my life getting to know him over the last few months because he’s such a great guy!!! I will share some incredible stories about this amazing experience in the coming days!!! Sometimes dreams really do come true!!!”

During the speech, the teenager shared her family’s struggle to support her brothers.

“Currently in Ireland it can take four to five years to be diagnosed with an intellectual disability and after that there are few or no services, even in our schools,” she said.

“This delay causes permanent harm, and when you turn 18 with an intellectual disability you often have nowhere to go, even if services are not available.”

“Ireland is in crisis when it comes to disability services for people with intellectual disabilities. I have openly said it is a national disgrace, but more recently I have described it as an international embarrassment and no one ever disagrees with me.”

“I understand that the same lack of services exists here in America for those over 18. He is simply not good enough and needs to be addressed with respect.”