“Being with people is the most important thing for me.”
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey welcomed three inspiring guests — Grace McCann, Simone McWeeney and Daniel Quinn — who shared their experiences of life, learning and friendship through the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC).
Their stories offer a powerful reminder of how community, inclusion and opportunity can help people grow in confidence, discover their passions and look ahead to the future with hope.
A Place to Belong
For all three guests, the Central Remedial Clinic is much more than a service — it is a place of connection.
For Grace, it represents freedom and friendship.
“The CRC means a lot to me because it helps me to meet new people — and that makes me feel free,” she shares.
Simone describes it as a space filled with positivity.
“It makes me feel happy, relaxed and excited — and it’s a lot of fun.”
Daniel highlights the opportunities it provides for learning, development and building independence over time.
Discovering Joy in Everyday Activities
A key part of life at the Central Remedial Clinic is participation — through activities that bring people together and encourage confidence.
From Zumba and fitness classes to art, drama, cooking and trips, each person finds something that sparks joy.
Grace especially enjoys being active and social:
▪️ Dancing and Zumba
▪️ Walks in the fresh air
▪️ Spending time with friends
Simone finds calm and creativity through art and music:
▪️ Drawing and colouring
▪️ Listening to music
▪️ Taking part in trips
Daniel enjoys a wide range of activities, including:
▪️ Table tennis and drama
▪️ Cooking and walking
▪️ Travelling — especially by train
“My favourite is train trips,” Daniel says. “I love trains.”
Friendship and Confidence
For many people, starting somewhere new can feel overwhelming — but the CRC environment helps build confidence over time.
Grace recalls that it took a little while to get to know people, but friendships soon followed.
Simone, on the other hand, embraced the experience from the beginning.
“Everyone’s friends,” she says simply.
This sense of belonging is at the heart of what makes the CRC experience so meaningful.
Looking Ahead — Dreams and Ambitions
Each guest shared their hopes for the future — full of ambition, creativity and purpose.
Grace dreams of working in nursing homes, bringing joy to others through music and becoming an activity coordinator.
“I want to bring a smile to people’s faces,” she says.
Simone hopes to build a future connected to music — possibly even becoming a DJ.
Daniel has a clear and passionate goal:
“I want to be a train driver.”
Having already travelled across Ireland by train — including trips to Galway, Bray and Malahide — his dream is rooted in real experience and enthusiasm.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside the CRC, all three guests lead active and fulfilling lives.
Grace’s weekends are full of energy:
▪️ Dancing
▪️ Kayaking
▪️ Basketball and tag rugby
Simone enjoys a more relaxed pace, spending time shopping and unwinding.
Daniel stays active through sport and proudly shares his role as a team captain in tag rugby.
More Than a Service
The Central Remedial Clinic plays a vital role in supporting individuals to develop skills, confidence and independence — but just as importantly, it creates a space where people feel valued and included.
Through friendships, shared experiences and personal growth, it becomes a foundation for building a meaningful future.
A Shared Message
While each story is unique, a common theme runs through all three voices:
Connection matters. Opportunity matters. And being part of a community can change everything.
🌐 Website: www.crc.ie
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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