April 2026

Finding Purpose and Community: Gerry McGrath’s Journey with KingsRiver

For Gerard McGrath, walking through the doors of KingsRiver Community was a simple decision — but one that would go on to make a meaningful difference in his life. Speaking with John Comiskey on Disability Matters, Gerry shared his personal journey of joining the service, building friendships, and rediscovering a sense of purpose. “I just […]

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Two people in a split-screen video call. The woman on the left wears a patterned blouse, smiling softly. The man on the right has headphones, with a "One Community, Many Voices" banner behind him.

When Migraine Takes Over: Real Support and Real Stories

For many people, migraine is still misunderstood as “just a headache.” But for those living with it, migraine can take over entire days — sometimes even weeks — disrupting work, family life, and the simplest daily routines. In a recent Disability Matters interview, John Comiskey spoke with Naomi Thornton from Migraine Ireland, who shared insight

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Breathing Matters: Understanding Asthma in Ireland with Aiden Long

In a recent conversation, John Comiskey speaks with Aiden Long, Communications & Strategic Engagement Manager at Asthma Society of Ireland, shedding light on one of Ireland’s most widespread yet often misunderstood health conditions—asthma. What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, making them hypersensitive to triggers such as pollen, cold air, smoke,

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Breaking the Silence: How Chime Supports People with Hearing Loss Across Ireland

In this episode, John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell speak with Lynn Buckle, Community Resource Officer with Chime, about hearing loss, tinnitus, and the vital services available across Ireland. Hearing-related conditions are more common than many realise. Around 30% of people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, and for 8% it becomes a serious

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Movement, Music and Hope: Supporting Life with Parkinson’s

On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Kate Gray, Secretary of Fundraising with Move4Parkinson’s —a community-driven organisation transforming how people live with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is often misunderstood. While many associate it with tremors, Kate explains that the reality is far more complex. “There are around 40 different symptoms,” she says. “That’s why it’s

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From Compassion to Action: A Conversation with Funmilayo Akingbade

On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Funmilayo Akingbade—chef, caregiver, charity founder, and board member of Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living. Wearing many hats, Funmilayo—known as Fumi—brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. By profession, she is a chef working in a nursing home in Fingal, as well as taking

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Colorful illustration for the Five Lamps Arts Festival 2026 in Dublin, featuring abstract landscapes, figures, and a prominent five-lamp post.

Bringing the Arts to Everyone: Inside the Five Lamps Festival with Roisin Lonergan

On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Roisin Lonergan, Artistic Director and founder of the Five Lamps Festival—one of Dublin’s most vibrant and community-driven arts festivals. Founded in 2007, the festival was born from a simple but powerful idea: to make the arts accessible to everyone. “I realised that many people in the area weren’t

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