In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Dr. Una Molloy, a Advanced Nurse Practitioner in palliative medicine and representative of the Irish Association for Palliative Care (IAPC). Dr. Molloy offered deep insight into what palliative care truly means and the vital role it plays in supporting people with life-limiting illnesses. […]
In a recent episode of Disability Matters, Patrick O’Donnell spoke with Rob O’Byrne —fitness coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive physical education. Rob’s journey, marked by resilience and innovation, began with a life-changing accident at 17 and has since evolved into a mission to redefine accessibility in sport and wellbeing. At 17, while on holiday,
“No Excuses, Just Possibilities”: Rob O’Byrne Brings Inclusive Fitness to Life Read More »
In this episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey sat down with Gerry Maguire, the CEO of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI), for a wide-ranging discussion about the realities of living with these conditions, the work of the organisation, and the urgent need for both societal change and state support. Gerry, who has lived
We’re delighted to announce that Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) has been selected as a County Finalist in the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards, under the Health & Wellbeing category. This recognition highlights the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community — and the powerful impact of our work supporting people with disabilities
BCIL Named County Finalist in 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards Read More »
This week on Disability Matters, 12 June 2025, Patrick O’Donnell spoke with John Mitchell, a dedicated volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, about the organisation’s life-changing work and the powerful bond between people and their guide dogs. Founded in 1976, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind supports individuals with visual impairments and children
In this Disability Matters episode, John Comiskey welcomed two special guests from Walk Ireland: Vanessa Martin, Human Rights and Participation Practice Developer (HRPPD), and Brendan Heade, actor and long-time participant in Walk’s inclusive community programmes. Founded in 1967, Walk Ireland is an organisation committed to empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live self-determined lives in
Empowering Lives Through Inclusion: Walk Ireland on Advocacy, Employment and the Arts Read More »
In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Eamonn McPartlin, founder and Chairperson of FND Ireland. They discuss functional neurological disorder — an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed neurological condition. Eamonn, who lives with the motor form of FND himself, explained that the disorder affects how the brain and body send and
FND Ireland: Eamonn McPartlin on Advocacy, Diagnosis, and Support Read More »
Disability Matters – Thursday, 5 June 2025 on Phoenix 92.5FM On this week’s edition of Disability Matters on Phoenix 92.5FM, presenters Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey spoke with Galway-based actor, broadcaster, gaeilgeoir Mary Tynan. Diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) in 2004, Mary shared her story of creative resilience, how disability shaped her career, and her
A Voice Through the Door: How Mary Tynan Transformed Disability into Creative Resilience Read More »
Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy meaning it is one of the most common neurological conditions in the country, while over 50 million people live with epilepsy worldwide. In this Disability Matters episode, John Comiskey speaks with Patrick McGeoghegan, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland about the realities of living with epilepsy, busting
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. No two are the same.” This quote from Dr. Stephen Stone captures the spirit of our recent interview with Stephen Murray, Engagement Officer and Mentor at Aspire Ireland. Speaking on Phoenix FM’s Disability Matters with John Comiskey, Stephen provided invaluable insight into
Understanding Autism: Insights from Aspire Ireland Read More »
