@Ireland Curator: Bridget Fitzsimons

@davemolloy Thanks!

@chrisdaygalway Thank you :)

@bendyplywood1 Apply to @worldirish and see what they say :)

@orla_tinsley You're too kind :)

@tommycollison Thank you! Interested to see how you get on :)

@TweetWeekNYC Shall definitely be hitting you up for some bar recommendations! Stay in touch too :)

@unakavanagh Thanks Úna!

@blathnaidhealy Thanks Blathnaid :)

@runmurphyrun Thank you!

@suzybie Thanks a million Suzy!

You can follow my personal tweets over at @BridgetFitz. Thanks again for a great week everyone!

Starting tomorrow on @ireland is @tommycollison. Hope it's as much fun for you :)

Thanks to @worldirish, especially @blathnaidhealy and @unakavanagh. I'd highly recommend running @ireland to anyone!

So that's me done for this week on @ireland. Thanks everyone for being so lovely and engaging in such great debate.

I loved Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.

@TweetWeekNYC Exactly! It's so hard to know.

@TweetWeekNYC I love the work one of their editors is doing regarding standards in modelling. It may have been the ed in chief's opinion!

@dublinbermia Thanks! Good luck with yours!

@TweetWeekNYC Ableism is prejudice against disabled individuals. I used to love them, but that comment really put me off.

So, should I be supporting Meath or Dublin?

@TymCon I'm not sure actually. Best to ask @worldirish, who run the account!

I also love @femfreq. Her videos on feminism and pop culture are great. She was in the news for the harassment she got on her kickstarter.

@mmeller @femfreq @feministing Yes! Love both of those. Especially Feminist Frequency.

@this1littlebird Thanks!

@patrickabbott No problem :)

Interestingly, Sunday Times Style has an interview with xojane's Jane Pratt and an article on sexism in technology companies this week.

@patrickabbott Sadly, not. Inequality and sexism still exists in many formats!

@hellofrmSG No problem and well done!

@StanCarey Thank you so much!

@MeeraGhani I'm very interested in global feminism so I'm looking forward to reading them!

@shaunabrowne Thank you so much!

@j7ryan It's @BridgetFitz. Thanks :)

@hellofrmSG @TWkLGBTQ Snap, same recommendation! Your tweets are so important Zack. Shall be following from my personal account.

If you're interested in #rotationcuration, @hellofrmSG is tweeting about HIV/AIDS this week. Very interesting and important.

@patrickabbott I'm sure whoever takes over tomorrow will have different experiences and views. That's why @ireland is so interesting.

@patrickabbott The whole point is to spotlight different experiences and issues. The response I've had has been overwhelmingly positive!

@MeeraGhani Shall check them out. Thanks!

@StanCarey Thanks!

@TomTDowling thanks so much! :)

@wispa9 Hope you enjoy!

@mich_mck Yeah they don't cover much, but the stuff they wrote about the lead singer of Against Me! was ok.

Thank you all for the nice words. You've all been so fabulous to talk with.

@misterebby Hahaha I'm currently on cup of tea no. 3.

@globatris It's @BridgetFitz. Thanks for reading :)

@TomTDowling I did! Was wonderful interacting with so many different people.

@Claredaisy Thank you!

@FraffieB it's a pity cos sometimes they're so right on!

I don't hate Jezebel. Some of their articles are fantastic, but their editor's comments about ableism kind of made me wary.

Anyone else have any feminist blog suggestions?

I also love @feministe. @JillFilipovic has also written some great stuff for The Guardian.

She also used two ableist terms, so it was doubly bad. So while it's popular, I'm very cautious of Jezebel and how exclusionary they are.

For me, feminism fights all societal injustices, so when she said it was "crazy and lame" to identify ableism, I was fuming.

I like some of what @jezebel writes, but their editor tweeted saying ableism wasn't a real thing, so I'm cautious of them now.

They had a great piece on FemFresh's refusal to call a vagina just that. I agree. Nicknames like froo-froo and flower make me nauseous.

They say things that women's magazines, the majority of which are horribly anti-feminist, are totally afraid to. @VagendaMagazine.

I am also obsessed with @VagendaMagazine. Unapologetically feminist and they deconstruct women's magazines weekly. Hilarious.

It is an anomaly for teen girls. Encourages true individualism, body love and has great fashion shoots. Also, awesome DIYs! I love it.

@FraffieB Thank you so much!

I'd like to talk feminist websites. Firstly, I love @RookieMag and wish something like that existed when I was a teenager.

Can't believe it's my last day tweeting for Ireland! I've had so much fun.

@browndan Where will you be?

@Markkipper Used to it! Sure, I'd be no craic if I couldn't handle a drunk or two.

@StoneHuts Mental empowerment/ mad pride! :)

@Markkipper Well I don't drink anyway, so I'd be grand in the morning anyway! *smug face* ;)

@Markkipper Yay! I'm not alone! :)

Think about how many times you've dismissed someone cos they're "mad" or "crazy". Prejudice happens daily.

Some great insight into everyday prejudice faced by mentally ill people from @nomanswoman there.

Feeling like a bit of a loser heading home when everyone in town is gearing up for a night out. Hope you all have a fun Saturday night!

Saturday nights in city centre make me miss my friends abroad.

@JohnMoynes Haha, I don't know. Must ask @worldirish.

@orla_tinsley @samuelthekiwi Muhahahaha!

@JohnMoynes Yes, it's been fun! Would recommend anyone apply for it!

That last RT from my personal account showing the high drama coming from watching Million Pound Drop!

@hellofrmSG So brave of you. Well done!

@TimmyTabasco Pretty good!

@TweetWeekSyria @trevor280 @TweetWeekNYC @TweetweekUSA @TWkLGBTQ @PeopleOfUK @PeopleofLeeds Hello :)

@TWkLGBTQ Awesome! Now I need feel no shame for my bare nails ;)

@TWkLGBTQ If all of those things are what make you a woman, I think that I fail! Oh, dear...

If you're interested in disability theory relating to HIV/AIDS, Paula Treichler's How to Have Theory in an Epidemic is excellent.

@hellofrmSG Such an important message.

I'm off to the north side of Dublin city to eat Thai food and watch bad tv with friends. Perfect evening after a long day's work!

@chrisdaygalway Yeah, she's pretty amazing!

A really excellent book I've read for my thesis is Bipolar Expeditions, by Emily Martin which explores bipolar and its cultural context.

Study music today comes from 80s rock mostly. I think I was the only film geek to enjoy Rock of Ages!

@unakavanagh Haha I can tell you're foaming at the mouth with wanting to talk about it! Well done for not spoiling though!

@meanaspie @blathnaidhealy @orla_tinsley at least we're not the only ones!

@missyu I love cleaning. Find it weirdly therapeutic!

So many people are making a difference quietly and effectively, without fame or fanfare.

Anyway, time to blitz my flat then get some work done. I just wanted to say that real action doesn't always mean being famous.

Going to see Seeking a Friend at the End of the World tomorrow though. Looking forward to it.

In unrelated news, am I the only person who hasn't seen Dark Knight Rises? It's on my to-do list.

People who are committed to making the country better in those ways instead of just talking about it are so admirable.

I have friends who teach disadvantaged kids, who campaign for better lives for sick and disabled people.

@missyu have fun!

@MarketaDee Haha I'm sorry!

While I admire lots of famous people, my feminist icons are mostly women I know who are making lives better in any way they can.

Another day, more work. Sometimes I hope it rains, so I don't feel like I'm missing out as much. Sorry everyone!

@foxglovelane I'm really enjoying it. It's really fun interacting with so many different people!

Last RT there from @rcnireland. Such an incredible and important service.

@foxglovelane How sweet!

They're really active and organise lots of great events. I try my best to go to as many as I can.

If you're interested in Irish feminist activism, I'd recommend getting involved in @irishfemnetwork.

OK, I'm off to work. Hope you all have a lovely day.

@EleanorFitz Completely agree! She is really incredible and inspirational.

@hanishahab Well, Ramadan Kareem for tomorrow, then! :)

also, Ramadan Kareem! It's the first day of Ramadan today.

Following on from our discussions on feminism, who do you think are feminist icons? Alive or dead, male or female!

Morning everyone! TGIF!

@auntyamo The twitter? it's been really fun. Really enjoying it!

@dublinbermia Sounds good!

@PeopleOfUK Brixton is a great area! I love London. I'm good! Long day though.

@brianocofaigh I know. Officially I'm not supposed to have a life at all outside of this! ;)

@VampMikaela Sounds busy! Hope it all goes well!

@Smartheat I am well, thank you. Feeling good after yoga and getting some work done!

I feel like I work two jobs between thesis and my actual job! How is everyone this evening?

@iandevlin @i_amgermany Fine! Looks like I'll just have to tour Germany, eating lots of wonderful food as I go. Such a martyr ;)

@I_amGermany @wearehh I hear Hamburg is beautiful. On the to-do list!

@I_amGermany I think Berlin is next on my list, although I loved Munich and Bavaria.

@I_amGermany How lovely of you to say! I'd say the same to you. You've made me want to revisit Germany! :)

Feeling energised after yoga! Time for food then thesis. My life is very boring. Should've told @worldirish this before I offered to curate!

Judging from my @ replies, yoga's pretty popular!

@donbell I'm slightly addicted!

@KasaArtistika namaste. I'm really looking forward to it.

@electroweb I don't drink so I'm the worst person to ask! :)

I'm off to yoga. It's great for body, mind and soul. Would recommend it to anyone!

@TweetWeekNYC @elbon2 I'll hit you up for some bar suggestions later on :)

@orla_tinsley Thanks! I got them in the Tiger homewares store in Dun Laoghaire, where I used to work!

@TweetWeekNYC Thanks for the tips! I way prefer bars to clubs anyway!

Here's where some of my postcards are stuck up. yfrog.com/oe50zidj yfrog.com/kh7shffj

@Marcc68 I'm sure he loves the time spent with his dad :)

@Marcc68 @Claredaisy @lunadetane Agree 100%. I'm even happy and proud that I've done my first draft. Really rewarding.

@unakavanagh @I_amGermany I thought as much!

@len_patrick Go raibh míle maith agat! :)

@brianocofaigh Beautiful! I'm very jealous!

@Claredaisy Gorgeous!

@iandevlin Bully your friends into bringing them over! That's what my friend in London does :)

@mo_yoors2 That's brilliant! There's so much to do here. You won't be bored, I promise!

@iandevlin three amazing local cuisine items! ;)

@minellie I very much agree.

@mo_yoors2 That's Scotland, not Ireland :)

@LunaDetane @Claredaisy lots to do so will be working right up to deadline. Could be worse. I'm enjoying it really.

Given the themes of postcards here, it'd probably just serve to remind them of all the Guinness, oysters and sheep they're missing!

Maybe I'll start posting Irish postcards to friends abroad. Especially the ones who've emigrated.

@minellie Sounds like you're thinking positively though!

@I_amGermany It seems to be a really strange thing. Lots of people speak Irish regularly here, so I assume lots of people text in Irish too.

My lovely Mayo mammy was both incredulous and delighted, considering I had been awful at it and moved here from the UK when I was nine.

I was so bad at Irish in school! Although it was my lowest mark in the Leaving Cert, it was my proudest, as I got an honour in Higher Level!

I'm not fluent in Irish or an activist for the language but that last story seems strange to me, given Irish is an official language here.

This is weird! MT @eocaollai: Irish mobiles users charged extra for using the fada #gaeilge #irishtimes tinyurl.com/cn3dbq9

@johnmadden78 Thanks so much! Looks right up my street.

@Chris_McW Haha we're having rainy summers! You're lucky.

@weareFrance We'd be delighted to have you! :)

@johnmadden78 That sounds brilliant! Must look it up, thanks!

@Claredaisy love a good cuppa!

@johnmadden78 no! What's that?

@Chris_McW You guys can't be expecting sunshine in winter! :)

Thanks for the offers to send me postcards, but Internet safety rules mean I can't give my address out. Thanks for the kind offers though!

@weareFrance yes, she says it's beautiful. I adore France though. Paris is one of my favourite cities.

@Claredaisy Haha! Well, I won't get to as my thesis isn't due in till the end of summer. Don't panic!!

This year I've gotten postcards from Tokyo, Barcelona, St Cyprien, London and Budapest. Also, my dad sent me one from my home village!

@celticfire99 I buy postcards for my walls and fridge too but love getting them with messages on them.

@psneeze I love when that happens!

@weareFrance My sister sent me a lovely postcard from St Cyprien this summer. Her boyfriend has a house there and she loves it!

@Samthemamxo Glad to hear it :)

Also, I didn't go away this summer so gives me the chance to live vicariously through my friends!

I wish people sent postcards more. I love them and make my friends who go away send me them. They're so fun.

Morning all! How's life where you are?

@EXECUTIVESTEVE love that one.

@nnimhaoileoin features heavily in my thesis!

Bedtime for me. Night all!

@NoMansWoman Will try my best! :)

@NelsonBonner @tweetweeknyc @heatherstunes no problem! Happy listening!

@nnimhaoileoin Yes! Both absolutely wonderful.

@TweetWeekNYC @nelsonbonner @heatherstunes Delighted to hear it!

@NelsonBonner @tweetweeknyc Hey Nelson! They're at @heatherstunes. Glad you enjoyed the song!

@SamiClara_ No, marriage equality is something I'm very passionate about too!

@SamiClara_ Some excellent points there.

@SamiClara_ The term campaigners use here is "marriage equality" which I think is great.

@SamiClara_ I completely agree! :)

@TweetWeekNYC They have a great one called Remember When, really sweet song. Always makes me smile youtube.com/watch?v=suvULQ…

@TweetWeekNYC They're an awesome band, aren't they?

@SamiClara_ I don't think the term gay marriage is problematic. Marriage is marriage.

@NoMansWoman You inspired me to be true to myself and my personality. I think you're so brave. Keep on being brilliant.

@I_amGermany Thanks for the shout-out! Sweet dreams!

@KeanHerself Yes! She's wonderful!

@FraffieB Haven't read the second one. Will definitely check it out, thank you!

@rokehoe69 You always said I could tweet for Ireland ;)

@jacqs70 Second Sex is a classic! I'm 22 and adore it!

Am absolutely loving the amount of people, women and men, who are celebrating the genius of @caitlinmoran with me now. A feminist hero!

@enorris @caitlinmoran Ah here. Who wants to talk to those guys when you can hear me talk about mental health and feminism? :)

@dleacht Yes @katiepiper_ is wonderful. She's a very inspirational woman.

@dabarbarian She's my hero too! I'm seriously fangirl-ing right now.

@FraffieB I think it's slightly impossible not to.

I'm having a fangirl moment over @caitlinmoran right now, but what books do you think exemplify feminism? Would love suggestions!

@KeanHerself @caitlinmoran That's what I loved about it! So relatable, honest and human. She's wonderful.

@rokehoe69 You're just jealous, Kehoe!

@SamiClara_ Thank you! Shall give it a listen as soon as I can.

@FraffieB I'm having a bit of a fangirl moment, I must admit.

I know people say "I laughed, I cried" but I genuinely did. If you're scared of feminism, @caitlinmoran makes it accessible, warm and lovely

It's a cross between a memoir and a rant about how brilliant feminism is. Hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.

@dabarbarian @caitlinmoran This is very exciting.

Since we were chatting about feminism earlier, @caitlinmoran's How To Be A Woman is an amazing feminist book.

@SamiClara_ No problem. It's a really good one. Glad you enjoyed and stay well x

@caitlinmoran Please. Thank you for giving me the confidence to not be treated like crap and to be a proud feminist! X

@caitlinmoran I'm feeling fangirl-ish that you tweeted me! Women in my office are currently obsessed with your book after I passed it round!

Central message is "it's alright not to feel ok", plus it's a great song from an Irish band!

Following on from the mental health chat, here's Irish band Heather's new single youtube.com/watch?v=BTLbR8…

@lucymasterson I like the term @caitlinmoran uses. STRIDENT feminist. Makes me feel all powerful and kick-ass!

@WomensManifesto @ryandarren @women4election Thanks! Thank you for the contribution :)

@ryandarren @WomensManifesto @Women4election Welcome to the club! We're open to all.

@DanP79 I think the term can be seen as problematic but people need to be educated about what feminism really means.

Some really great debate on feminism happening. Thanks everyone.

@DanP79 Can't imagine what could be bad about equality. Please enlighten me.

@allisondellion 100% agree! Fathers of any children really!

@jacqs70 Thank you! Your insights are really valuable.

@FizaIsa I very much agree.

@hannigancork @BrendanMRogers How lovely of you to say Mick! :)

@redmum @TommyW Hahaha! That made me laugh!

@davemolloy Haha. Can't let fear stop you from discussing important issues!

@davemolloy What do you mean?

@redmum Completely agree. Was just speaking in terms of gender.

@Kimzor708 I completely agree. Often people assume equality has been reached when it blatantly hasn't.

@mo_yoors2 I agree to some extent. Celebrating difference can be vital!

I think, in terms of gender, we should be able to recognise and celebrate our differences as well as similarities.

Trying to RT lots of different opinions. RTs don't necessarily mean I agree.

@shamroxann I agree. As equality has progressed, radicalism has decreased.

@orla_tinsley @nerin_ the word feminism! Some people think that it's been ruined and promotes inequality.

Some people saying we should move away from the word feminism in the fight for gender equality. Thoughts?

@Nerin_ you don't think we can reclaim it?

@RosemaryMacCabe @johnsmth348 I think that that's a great answer, Rosemary.

@brianocofaigh I think Antichrist is offensively misogynist but Melancholia not so much.

@johnsmth348 I know very little about athletics and don't like commenting on what I don't know. Have opened it to the floor. Hope that's ok!

What do you all think? RT @johnsmth348: @ireland So should female athletes compete against male athletes?

@JohnMoynes Let you away with it this time, but only cos your point was great :)

@goggshealy Any input you have would be brilliant! Really want to hear lots of viewpoints!

@goggshealy Just addressing some criticisms I get daily. Hoping to get the ball rolling on more interesting topics throughout the afternoon!

@brianocofaigh Haha there are some awful men, but I've found the majority are nice!

@ChristineBohan Haha thank you! *bows*

@EUROXXL Right on!

@VampMikaela Yes! I regularly tweet at @BridgetFitz. :)

Would love to hear what feminism means to you. It's such a wide reaching term with so many meanings to many people.

Again, we want equality. Feminists aren't just women. I know some kick-ass male feminists, including my wonderful Dad.

Another misconception: all feminists hate men. I can speak for everyone, but the majority of feminists I know are not anti-man.

Onto feminism! I think one of the most common misconceptions is that feminism is about female superiority. It isn't. I want equality.

Got caught in the deluge! My ballet flats are soaked!

Busy day in work! Will be back after three to give my views on Irish feminism.

@FelicityCloake You most certainly can. I do envy a job that allows you to try out loads of croque monsieur recipes though!

@LucerneBelle Hahaha that is definitely the case.

Morning all. I'm running around getting ready for work. I never seem to allow myself enough time to do everything!

@FelicityCloake It was delicious! But like you say, I'd be pretty delighted with anything involving cheese.

@TweetWeekNYC I think you beat me on the street view...

I'm off to bed now, but I'll be talking about more amazing Irish women tomorrow! Night all!

Not only is she a great writer and activist, she also has a healthy appreciation for jellies! My kind of woman.

Tomorrow, I'll be tweeting about feminism and inspiring Irish women, but an early nod goes to my friend and incredible woman @orla_tinsley

@ScottishLassKel Come and visit! I love Canada. I spent some time in Winnipeg. Gorgeous!

@TweetWeekNYC Have to! Need to save up some money first. It'll be the last stop of my round the world trip! Very excited though :)

@TweetWeekNYC Yeah, I'm very excited. I'll be hitting you up for fun bar and restaurant suggestions!

@TweetWeekNYC I think I'd rather a trip to New York, but I've never been!

@laurakate79 Definitely possible. You should come back! :)

@I_amGermany I love Dublin. So much to do. I spent Christmas 2010 in Munich. It was magical!

Weather has turned nicer! Doesn't south Dublin look pretty this evening? yfrog.com/ocvcamzj

For those asking, I'm using @felicitycloake's recipe from The Guardian. It's pretty good so far!

@trevor280 @TweetweekUSA Delicious. I'm a cheese fiend!

Bought some lovely gruyere and am going to attempt my first homemade croque monsieur. I find cooking and baking really therapeutic.

@TheGavinCook Hello! What a lovely message. I'm very much in love with the UK. Lived in Cambridge as a child!

@jlfxa Because I never travelled in college as I had to work my way through. I think this is a good time to travel.

@scarie @karlodwyer It's very dependent on field. I know people for whom it's easy, but I'm sadly not in that position.

@Girliest_Gooner You too! Best of luck!

@EyeBlinks Haha we shall see!

@MarketaDee Oh, completely. Just in a philosophical place right now!

That last RT made me laugh.

I'm considering further study or just diving into work. It's an adventure in itself seeing what the future holds though.

But, I do love Ireland and I'd really like to contribute to bringing Ireland back from the brink. We'll see when I get back from travels!

I feel this is especially exacerbated by the fact that I'm an arts graduate and a lot of my friends have already left.

When I finish up my masters, I'm going travelling. After that, I have no idea. It's hard for graduates to see a future here.

@WeAreAustralia Happy birthday! Hope you're having a lovely day!

@Smartheat Hi Pat. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Thoughts and love with you and yours.

I'm off to do some thesis-ing. Hope you all have a nice day!

@BEH79 My main focus are Antichrist and Black Swan but there's Melancholia, Fatal Attraction, The Hours, Girl Interrupted. Lots more :)

@ElenRosal Haha that's what I've been saying! I don't feel as left out if everyone's stuck indoors!

@JohnMoynes Thank you!

@BEH79 It's on the abjection of feminine mental illness in contemporary cinema. Quite interesting to research!

@JohnMoynes It's easier once you're aware of the warning signs. Glad to hear you're well!

@claireskane Also releases endorphins!

@thelittlepakeha it's very often the only option. Hope you're well.

@BEH79 I'm fine thank you. Less time to exercise with the thesis but only a month to go!

@JohnMoynes I was stunned how huge a difference diet and exercise made.

@DeiseDreamin @todayfmofficial I'm out and about at the moment but will try catch the podcast later. Ray D'Arcy?

@BEH79 I was stunned the difference eating well and exercise made. Hope that you're well.

It sounds minor, but I'd really notice the difference! I'm just going to devote myself to my thesis then get back on track after. Difficult!

I stopped drinking, jog when I can and try to eat well. The last two have been affected by the run up to thesis submission.

Following yesterday's discussion, I'd love to hear how you all manage your mental health.

@ElenRosal I hope you're doing ok!

@brianocofaigh @Stef_Muller Haha they're very catchy! And yes, I'm really looking forward to Gaze!

@psneeze Happy belated birthday!

@ClaireNolan It's a very interesting topic! I'll probably talk about it later in the week.

@AbiePB I'm learning that quite quickly!

@leedalyire Small world! Lovely part of the country.

@Stef_Muller I hope you like it! It's very hard to predict weather here, but there's lots of interesting things to do.

@jacqs70 haha sounds unbelievable!

@GotIreland here's hoping!

@psneeze Yes, I've heard it's one of the worst years for it. I'm sorry you've had so much trouble.

@Stef_Muller Yes, my friend from South Africa went home for a few weeks a couple of months ago. She said it was beautiful.

@tombellino Haha I overuse that word a lot.

@leedalyire West Wicklow. Blessington. Gorgeous lake out there!

@VampMikaela sweet dreams! :)

Of course, the rain has severe agricultural implications. I was just trying to think positively!

@psneeze I'm well aware of that. From a farming family myself.

This is especially important where I grew up in Wicklow which is referred to as "The Garden of Ireland" because it's so beautiful and green.

Of course, the rain contributes to the lush green scenery we have here, so it's not all bad.

@mkearley2008 We always want what we don't have!

@tombellino I would love to. I hear Chicago is a gorgeous city.

@blablaman44 at least we aren't the only ones!

@tombellino lucky you!

@VampMikaela sounds gorgeous!

@ClaireNolan it's on the abjection of feminine mental illness in contemporary cinema.

@brianocofaigh sounds lovely!

@GoldenTriumph we all want what we don't have!

@diarmuidcogan gorgeous!

@Chocolatemama38 Wellies for short :)

@Chocolatemama38 Rubber boots for the rain. They're a necessity here! They're called Wellington boots here and in the UK.

@SuSmithJosephy I shall do my best, thank you!

@We_R_Russia Sounds nice. Hope you have your sunscreen!

@Stef_Muller Sorry to hear it! Have always wanted to visit South Africa. Die Antwoord just did a concert here and it was incredible.

@I_amGermany sounds good! Better than here anyway :)

@Chocolatemama38 I'm very jealous. I'm seeing a day of a big jumper, scarf and wellies ahead!

@hanishahab sounds good! I forget what sunshine is!

@hellofrmSG Morning Farhan! Sounds nice. Hope you're having a nice day!

@Claredaisy Oh, Ireland... :(

@SuSmithJosephy sounds lovely! Lucky you!!

I know it's a stretch but I'm trying here here! Power of positive thinking and all that.

The only positive thing about the rain is that I don't feel like I'm missing out on as much when I'm stuck inside writing my thesis.

Good morning everyone! I'm scared to look outside. I can hear the rain! How's the weather where you are?

@enorris It's @BridgetFitz. I hope that you're enjoying the tweets so far! :)

I think that's me done for the evening. Thanks a million everyone. I've had such a great first day. Excited for the rest of the week now!

@clarekleinedler I've heard that viewpoint a lot, but I think it's very difficult to judge someone unless you know their situation.

@mkearley2008 Tie between her and Nell McCafferty! Both incredible women.

I have such respect for people who are completely and unashamedly themselves and she definitely falls into that category.

I know some of you won't agree, but I think she's utterly fabulous.

I also think that @NoMansWoman (Sinéad O'Connor) is a wonderful voice for mental health. She is who she is, no apologies. So rare.

@NarcoDreamer Mayo's gorgeous. My mum's from Louisburgh. Many fond memories!

@SimonRagoonanan Thanks Simon! Looks really interesting!

@conibonjovi I love both. Hard to pick!

@MTJHendrick I try my best, but time is limited!

@Enaregina oh, London is so wonderful! So vibrant.

Whenever I go home, I just want to go back to Dublin. Always want what I can't have!

I absolutely love Dublin, but sometimes I just want to go home to the Wicklow mountains for some real quiet. Cities can be exhausting.

@dancetotipp Interesting. Thank you.

@newzealand My name is Bridget and I'm Irish. From one stereotype to another... :)

@Rolo0321 It's on feminine mental illness in contemporary cinema.

I'm a terrible procrastinator, but getting to chat to you all is sort of more fun than my thesis. Sorry academia!

@frbryanshortall Hello! It's been really fun so far. It's almost a full time job!

Congrats Úna! RT @unakavanagh: Whoo hoo!! Officially a fulltime employee @worldirish - those 3 months flew!

@alisonosullivan Duly mentioned! :)

@TweetweekUSA Hahahaha that is adorable!

@CeadaoinsChild Oh dear! Why are you up so early?

It's really nice to feel the love for Ireland from all over the world!

One of the coolest things about curating @ireland has been talking to people from far-flung countries.

I've been chatting to @weareFrance @CuratorsMexico @peopleofuk @sweden @WeAreAustralia @TweetweekUSA @WeAreUkraine @newzealand @TweetWeekNYC

There's some really great #rotationcuration accounts on here, asides from @ireland.

@TweetWeekNYC Yes! How lovely to connect with new people!

@TweetWeekNYC Have followed on my personal account. Thanks for the offer for info :)

Not surprising, but still very sad. Informative story by @gavreilly about links between suicide and recession #mhire thejournal.ie/report-link-be…

A great Irish voice for mental health is @mariankeyes, whose candour and courage is wonderful. She's also very, very funny.

@thedirtbird I don't actually. I focus on disability and feminist theory. Very interesting! Hope you're well these days.

@orla_tinsley Hehe thanks Orla! X

@TweetweekUSA @PeopleOfUK @curatorsmexico @sweden @weareaustralia @weareukraine @newzealand @wearefrance we're rainy! Lucky you! :)

Some really great mental health stories shared. All of your courage is very admirable. #mhire

@TweetWeekNYC I shall definitely be in touch! Do you have an account you tweet off of usually?

Hello all! Just in the door after work. Dinner and then thesis time. Never ends for me at the moment! Hope you've all had lovely days.

@VitRaiser stay strong and never be afraid to talk. While some are judgemental, people often surprise me with how understanding they are.

@chrisdaygalway I'm well. Just in the door after work! Hope you had a nice day.

@deenish_m It's very wet! Rainiest July on record, apparently!

@CuratorsMexico @peopleofuk @sweden @WeAreAustralia @TweetweekUSA @ireland @WeAreUkraine @newzealand @weareFrance Hello all! :)

@TweetWeekNYC It's the last stop on a backpacking trip. Want to visit museums and eat great food! Katz' pastrami is top of my list!

@VitRaiser It's a very common thing, which is why the stigma is baffling! Hope you're well.

@TweetWeekNYC Did you enjoy it? I'm heading to New York next year. Very excited!

@dublinbermia Sounds exciting!

@unakavanagh @miseanois Some employers do but many people are very scared to disclose.

I have to head off to work now, but thanks for the warm welcome and I hope the debate continues in my absence.

@Jannavaire Thanks :)

It doesn't even matter honestly. As long as we're discussing mental health openly! People are sharing some great stories.

As #whatstigma is apparently an international term, I'd like to suggest we go for #mhire, which is specifically Irish.

@Louiseinflight @bazkelly79 For some people, myself included, mental illness is an important part of their identity. Not for others though!

@dublinbermia Submission soon? I'm very excited to submit mine!

@conorleeson @conziesays I'm sorry. Am I evil for giggling at that? ;)

The fact is that 1 in 4 people suffer from depression. That's just depression, so you surely know someone with a mental illness #whatstigma

@magnumlady Delighted to hear that! #whatstigma

@joeystrider There is a huge lack of understanding, often from medical professionals, which is sad #whatstigma

Also, mental illness encompasses a wide range of illnesses, from depression, to eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar etc #whatstigma

@magnumlady I'm fine thank you! I hope your son is well.

@firstfortnight Sorry, I was misinformed so!

@missyu That's an incredibly common problem, despite anti-discrimination legislation. #whatstigma

@aoifejohanna That is bizarre!

@AspieJourno The problem can often be other people as opposed to the actual illness or disorder.

I feel very uncomfortable in certain social situations and in crowds. Gigs can be tough, but I try my best cos I love live music #whatstigma

@bazkelly79 Yeah I feel it's very important as it's a huge part of myself and my identity.

Let's get sharing our Irish mental health experiences with #whatstigma. Would love to see this trending!

The most popular suggestion seems to be #whatstigma, which comes from @firstfortnight apparently.

@EleanorFitz I think it's a really elegant name actually, and uncommon, which makes it all the more special!

@bazkelly79 I've had men tell me they can't handle my "issues". I'd rather be single than be with someone like that to be honest!

Perhaps #irishminds? What do you all think?

@bazkelly79 That's a really common reaction I think. People think you'll randomly freak out on them.

@magnumlady Medication doesn't suit everyone and it can be very difficult to find the right fit, at least in my experience.

@runmurphyrun Thank you! And thank you for the warm welcome :)

@redmum Haha, oh dear! People ring me often expecting an 80 year old woman!

@magnumlady It can be very difficult. I hope that your son is feeling better now.

@mkconlon Thanks! It's been a bit of a battle but I've only a month left until submission!

@niamhsmith Thanks Niamh! People have some very funny #irishnames stories!

@Normacasey I loved the Four Marys in Bunty when I was younger!

Oops! Appears I tweeted too much and got locked out for a bit. Keep the mental health hashtag suggestions coming!

@FraffieB Hoping we'll generate some good discussion. Response so far has been great!

@brianocofaigh Thank you!

Can anyone think of a good hashtag to discuss mental health in Ireland? Would love to see some good debate generated!

@chrisdaygalway Agreed!

@NanaAPunk Thank you :)

@mkconlon Thank you! It's a lot of fun already!

@Drimoley Haha yes! I can't imagine Americans doing too well with Síofra!

@Blueboggirl Hahaha. That is wonderful!

@ronanjohns @AoifeJohns That's unfortunate! I hope you kicked up a fuss! :)

@zarastrust I applied to @worldirish, who run the account. Their website has more details or you could ask them via twitter!

I try to be as open and unashamed as possible. People tend to be more understanding of mental illness when they know a mentally ill person.

I'm in no way embarrassed about it. I find sometimes that it does make people unsure of how to act around me, after they find out.

I've suffered from depression since I was about 17, only got an official diagnosis last year.

@brianocofaigh I blame Bryan Adams ;)

@orielgirl1 Classic #irishname!

@Blueboggirl Irish words in a British accent can be very funny!

@DermotMcL1 go raibh míle maith agat! And thank you!

@eddiewhyte Haha I know. Waiting to be struck down!

I find cultural representations of mental illness+disability fascinating. No matter how hard we try & fight stigma, culture has a huge power

Some more info about me: my masters is in Film Studies. Topic is the abjection of feminine mental illness in contemporary cinema.

Some brilliant #irishnames stories there! People are shockingly funny for a Monday morning. I'm barely functioning!

@AspieJourno Thank you! :)

@eddiewhyte The pagan goddess was too! :)

@itacallagy It's a rare one though, which is cool!

@ConzieSays that's really interesting!

@e_eric It must be slightly mind-melting!

@neilrhayes Cornelius is a fab one! I love it!

I wish I had this power! RT @Jim_Sheridan: @ireland Howdy Bridget, enjoy your week but first since you're in charge MAKE THE RAIN STOP :)

This made me laugh! RT @AislinnOT: @ireland Do not get me started. I have a looooong list. The most recent was Roshling. I kid u not!

@spcahore thank you! And I'm accepting any #irishname. Unfussy! :)

@AspieJourno Lovely name. Especially Shannon as a middle name. Very Irish! #irishnames

@JayCoyle Thanks Jason! :)

@eddiewhyte Yes, I love it! Especially as I never really knew her as she died when I was two.

My sister Eithne @eithnefitz had trouble with her name in the UK. I think people assumed she was named after Mt. Etna in Sicily. #irishnames

Huge issue seems to be people with Irish names abroad! How do you handle it? #retronames #irishnames

@AWanderingIrish That's what my mammy says! :)

@Nerin_ Thank you! :)

@GuyLeJeune Definitely. That's very kick ass.

@unakavanagh Úna's a lovely name! Very Irish.

@zarastrust Beautiful name!

@AWanderingIrish Thank you. What a lovely compliment :)

@ailbhegrogan My sister Eithne had the same problem in the UK! Irish is a very unique language I think.

@Imisaninja Love it! Beautiful glasses too!

@eddiewhyte Go raibh míle maith agat Eddie!

@peterdaly10 thanks Peter!

@chrisdaygalway Me too! Broke mine at Snow Patrol a couple of weeks ago!

@weddingsireland Haha that made me laugh! It is my real name. Swear!

I promise my real name is Bridget! It's very famine-y, isn't it? I'm named after my grandmother. Any other #retronames out there?

@renggapriska Hello Rina :)

@wholesomeIE Thanks Catriona! Looking forward to it!

@hellofrmSG Hi! Look forward to seeing your point of view. Have sadly never been to Singapore.

@dleacht Thank you! That looks very interesting.

@chrisdaygalway Thanks Chris! Hope you have a lovely day!

@blathnaidhealy Thanks Blathnaid!

@WiggleywooLtd Thank you! Excited to get into it :)

@AWanderingIrish Hello! Looking forward to it. Thank you!

@PeopleOfUK Hello Nadine! Used to live in the UK in Cambridge. In love with your wonderful country!

Wasn't last week's curator @TomTDowling brilliant? Excellent insights into the world of Irish film. Tough act to follow, I think.

@MunichLovesU I spent Christmas 2010 in Munich. What a beautiful city!

I'm a feminist and very interested in mental health issues so I hope to discuss these things this week. Hopefully the weather picks up soon!

Hello everyone! My name is Bridget, a 22 year old student and admin worker currently finishing my thesis. I usually tweet at @BridgetFitz.