On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Piers Richardson, Diversity and Education Officer with the Disability Federation of Ireland, to talk about Make Way Day 2025. This nationwide campaign, now in its eighth year, shines a spotlight on everyday obstacles that people with disabilities face — from […]
Make Way Day 2025: Clearing the Path for Inclusion Read More »
“Anyone who thinks vaping is harmless needs to look a little closer.” That’s how Professor Marcus Kennedy — Consultant Respiratory Physician at Cork University Hospital and President of the Irish Thoracic Society — begins his conversation with host Patrick O’Donnell on Disability Matters. Professor Kennedy joined the show to mark World Lung Day and to
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Naomi Fitzgibbon, Director of Nursing Services at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). The conversation offered a compassionate look at the realities of living with motor neurone disease (MND), the challenges of diagnosis, and the vital support available to patients and families
Supporting Every Step: Understanding Motor Neurone Disease with the IMNDA Read More »
“OCD is a disorder that causes intrusive, disturbing thoughts… thoughts that go completely against a person’s values. That’s what makes them so distressing,” — Fionnula McLiam, OCD Ireland On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Fionnula McLiam, clinical advisor with OCD Ireland, about obsessive compulsive disorder
The Doubting Disease: Shedding Light on OCD and Its Hidden Struggles Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Sarah Keogh, dietitian with the Coeliac Society of Ireland. Their conversation shed light on the realities of living with coeliac disease, the challenges of diagnosis, and the vital support available for people across the country. What Is Coeliac Disease? “Coeliac disease is an
Going Gluten-Free: Sarah Keogh on Living with Coeliac Disease Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Ellen Jennings, Communications Officer at BodyWhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. The conversation shed light on the complex realities of eating disorders, their impact on individuals and families, and the crucial supports BodyWhys has been providing since 1995. Founded originally as
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy: A Conversation with BodyWhys Ireland Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Claire McGowan, Campaign Manager for We Act, to talk about Culture Night 2025 and how the initiative is helping to showcase Ireland’s charities, community groups, and cultural life. What Is Culture Night? This year marks the 20th anniversary of Culture Night, a nationwide celebration
Culture Night Turns 20: We Act Campaign Shines a Light on Community and Inclusion Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Emily Conway, singer, artist, and founder of the DADA Campaign (Disabled Artists, Disabled Academics). Their conversation revealed the realities of building a career in the arts while living with disability, the systemic inequities disabled artists face, and the growing movement to demand recognition,
Precarity Squared: Emily Conway on the DADA Campaign for Disabled Artists Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager at The Wheel. Their conversation highlighted the origins of The Wheel, the vital role of Ireland’s non-profit sector, and how the organisation supports groups nationwide—including those working with and for people with disabilities. What is The Wheel? The
Strengthening Ireland’s Non-Profit Sector: A Conversation with The Wheel Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Adam Harris, founder and CEO of As I Am, Ireland’s national autism charity. The discussion explored what autism is, the challenges faced by autistic people and their families, and the vital role As I Am plays in advocacy, support, and community change. What
Breaking Barriers, Building Acceptance: Adam Harris on Autism in Ireland Read More »
