The Coeliac Society of Ireland proudly celebrated our 40th Anniversary at our National Convention in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel the weekend of 23rd - 25th April this year. See photos from the day here.

Having carefully examined feedback from previous events from members and attendees of previous conventions, this year our revamped agenda, reflected their suggestions, being more interactive, focused and targeting to needs of regular attendees and newly diagnosed coeliacs alike.

Parallel workshop sessions with consultant dietitian: Harriet Lynch, the Food List manager: Anne Manning and the Society's President: Dr. Nicholas Kennedy were held in the morning and afternoon. The morning and afternoon sessions were directed at newly diagnosed coeliacs getting to grips with the condition and gluten-free diet and established coeliacs, who have been on the gluten-free diet for a number of years.

Dr. Kennedy presented a session on "Associated Conditions with Coeliac Disease" covering topics such as iron, folate and B12 anaemia, thyroiditis and diabetes. Michelle O’Brien from the Irish Osteoporosis Society gave a talk on the risks to coeliacs of osteoporosis and the importance of regular varied exercise on top of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to prevent it.