June 2025

“No Excuses, Just Possibilities”: Rob O’Byrne Brings Inclusive Fitness to Life

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, […]

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“From Gamekeeper to Poacher”: Gerry Maguire on Leading SBHI and Championing Independent Living

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

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BCIL Named County Finalist in 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards

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

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 “Mobility, safety, and freedom,” — John Mitchell about Impact of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

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

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Empowering Lives Through Inclusion: Walk Ireland on Advocacy, Employment and the Arts

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

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Patrick O'Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Eamonn McPartlin

FND Ireland: Eamonn McPartlin on Advocacy, Diagnosis, and Support

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

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A Voice Through the Door: How Mary Tynan Transformed Disability into Creative Resilience

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

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