An evening to check in, connect, chat and reflect with our guest facilitator James Deegan

Blue Balls Ireland Men’s Gathering

From Survival to Presence

An evening to slow down, connect and explore what we carry.

Join us for our next Blue Balls Ireland Men’s Gathering, a special 2-hour talk and workshop with James Deegan, exploring the journey from survival to presence.

James’s own story is one of survival to presence. Growing up around addiction, mental illness, violence and emotional neglect, he later came to understand how those experiences shaped him as a man, father and partner.

Today, his work helps people understand what shaped them, recognise the patterns they still carry, and create more freedom in how they live, relate and respond.

This evening offers an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and explore some of the patterns, experiences and behaviours that can influence how we show up in the world and in our relationships.

Nothing to fix. No expectation to have all the answers.

Just an opportunity to pause, listen, reflect and connect.

From Survival to Presence

Over the course of the evening, James will share his story and invite us into an honest exploration of the ways our past experiences can continue to shape how we respond, relate and navigate life.

Through conversation, reflection and facilitated exercises, we’ll explore what we carry, where some of those patterns may have come from, and what it might look like to create a little more choice and presence in how we live.

What to Expect

• James’s Story: From Survival to Presence – James will share his own journey and some of the experiences that shaped him.

• Honest Conversation – Exploring some of the patterns men can carry from their experiences, relationships and upbringing.

• Live Inquiry & Facilitated Dialogue – An opportunity to reflect, explore and engage in conversation, both individually and together.

• Shamanic Drumming & Integration – A guided experience to help bring the evening together and create space for reflection and integration.

There is no expectation to share anything deeply personal or to have the right words. Come as you are and participate at your own pace.

No previous experience of men’s circles or men’s work is needed. Whether it’s your first gathering or you’ve been involved before, you are very welcome.

This is a grounded, respectful space for men to pause, reflect, connect and perhaps see some of themselves a little differently.

What to Bring

• Warm, comfortable layers

• A notebook or journal, if you like

• Water bottle

• An open mind and willingness to engage at your own pace

📅 Date: Thursday 8th October

🕖 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

📍 Location: Hazel House, Tibradden Craft Farm, D16 NY78

🎟️ - Cost to cover room rental €5 per person plus eventbrite fees| Limited to 25 places, booking essential

A Few Simple Guidelines

To help create a safe and respectful environment:

• Confidentiality is key – What’s shared in the space stays in the space.

• Come clear headed – No alcohol or drugs.

• Listen fully – Give others your attention when they share.

• Speak from your own experience – You don’t need to speak for anyone else.

• No pressure – Participate at your own pace. You can always pass.

• Respect differences – Every man’s experience and journey is unique.

• This is not therapy – It is a facilitated wellbeing, connection and reflective space.

• We’ll walk through everything together – You’ll know what to expect when you arrive.

• If it’s your first time, don’t overthink it. You don’t need to prepare anything or know how this works.

It’s simply a group of ordinary men coming together for a few hours to have real conversations, explore some of what shapes us, create genuine connections and remember that none of us has to do life entirely on our own.

🚗 Parking available on site.

Description supplied by the event organiser.