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 […]
Finding Purpose and Community: Gerry McGrath’s Journey with KingsRiver Read More »
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
Breaking the Silence: How Chime Supports People with Hearing Loss Across Ireland Read More »
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
Movement, Music and Hope: Supporting Life with Parkinson’s Read More »
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
From Compassion to Action: A Conversation with Funmilayo Akingbade Read More »
On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey sits down with Cllr. Angela Donnelly, Councillor for the Ongar Local Electoral Area on Fingal County Council and board member of Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL). From housing and infrastructure to accessibility and community development, the conversation offers a thoughtful and honest insight into the realities of
Building Communities, Not Just Houses: A Conversation with Cllr. Angela Donnelly Read More »
“Being with people is the most important thing for me.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey welcomed three inspiring guests — Grace McCann, Simone McWeeney and Daniel Quinn — who shared their experiences of life, learning and friendship through the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC). Their stories offer a powerful reminder of how community, inclusion and opportunity
Community, Confidence and New Possibilities — Voices from the Central Remedial Clinic Read More »
“Don’t try to predict the future — take it one day at a time and focus on living well.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Sorcha Barlow, MS Support and Education Nurse with MS Ireland, about living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the realities behind the condition and the importance of support, education and community.
Multiple Sclerosis Explained — Symptoms, Support and Hope for the Future Read More »
“People with disabilities should be supported to live the life of their choosing — with dignity, respect and inclusion.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Vanessa Martin, Human Rights and Participation Practice Developer with WALK, and Shelley, a participant in the organisation’s programmes and a passionate self-advocate. Their conversation explored how people with intellectual
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Shelly Gaynor, peer mentor with Independent Living Movement Ireland, about the philosophy of independent living, the importance of personal assistance, and why disabled people must have the same choices, rights and opportunities as everyone else. Shelly has been involved in disability advocacy for most of her life. Living
Independent Living, Equality and the Power of Peer Support — Shelly Gaynor, ILMI Read More »
“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 »
