“You have the pain — but you also have the power to manage it.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Fiona Armitage, a Dublin woman living with chronic pain, about a journey that began with what was meant to be a routine operation — and became a life-altering battle for diagnosis, understanding and survival. […]
Living with Chronic Pain — Fiona Armitage’s Journey from Despair to Power Read More »
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Christina Donnelly, National Coordinator at Chronic Pain Ireland, about a condition that affects thousands across the country — yet is still widely misunderstood. Chronic pain is not simply “a bad back” or “a lingering injury.” It is a complex, life-altering condition that can impact every aspect of a
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell spoke* with operatic soloist and classical singer Catrina Scullion — a performer whose remarkable career has spanned opera stages, international tours and recital halls. But this conversation was about something deeply personal: family, love, and using music to respond to devastating news. A Life in Music Originally
Catrina Scullion on Music, Family and Using Her Voice for Hope Read More »
Johnny Sheehan of The Wheel on Advocacy, Funding and Collective Voice On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager with The Wheel — the national organisation representing community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises across Ireland. With more than 2,600 member organisations in every county, The Wheel serves as both
Community at the Heart of Change — Inside The Wheel with Johnny Sheehan Read More »
“There are nearly 490 people living with MND in Ireland — and every one of them deserves support.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Naomi Fitzgibbon, Director of Nursing Services at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), about one of the most complex and devastating neurological conditions — and the vital supports available
Research, Resilience and Real Support: The MND Story in Ireland — Naomi Fitzgibbon Read More »
“We call them little warriors — because from the moment they’re born, they’re fighting.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Sean Brennan, founder of Bikers Ride Out for Prems, about motorcycles, premature babies and the powerful community that has grown around a simple mission: make life easier for families in neonatal intensive care units
Little Warriors, Big Hearts — Sean Brennan of Bikers Ride Out for Prems Read More »
“Independence looks different for everyone — our role is to support each person’s own definition of it.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Ciara Heffernan, Senior Communications Officer with Rehab Group, about the organisation’s 75-year legacy, its nationwide reach, and its mission to empower people with disabilities to live, learn and work with confidence.
Empowerment, Education and Employment — Ciara Heffernan of Rehab Group Read More »
On Disability Matters, Kirsten Ampeloquio spoke with Jessi Abbey Information Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about her journey into the organisation, her lived experience of disability, and the importance of community, visibility and peer support. Jessi joined BCIL in November, stepping into a role focused on information, funding and community connection —
Community, Resilience and Showing Up — Jessi Abbey, BCIL Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters on Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Ruth Bannon, Outreach and Community Volunteer Officer with Fingal Volunteer Centre, about the power of volunteering, the wide range of opportunities available, and how volunteers and organisations can be supported to thrive together. What Does Fingal Volunteer Centre Do? Fingal
Connecting Communities Through Volunteering: Ruth Bannon from Fingal Volunteer Centre Read More »
“We mightn’t change the world for everyone — but we can change the world for one person, one voice at a time.” — Geraldine Rooney, BCIL On Disability Matters, host Kirsten Ampeloquio spoke with Geraldine Rooney, Development Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about the quiet but powerful impact of peer support, local
Peer Support, Power and Belonging — Geraldine Rooney, BCIL Read More »
