“The moment I walked in, I felt welcome.”That’s how Gerard McGrath describes his first day at Kingsriver Community in Co. Kilkenny — this first impression was the beginning of a journey toward confidence, purpose, and community. Gerard recently joined Disability Matters to share his story—one that reflects the real impact of person-centred support in action. […]
In a special episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey welcomed two inspiring guests from Gaisce – The President’s Award: Joy Winston, Development Officer for North Dublin and Wicklow, and Conor Dillon, a 2025 Youth Ambassador and the first wheelchair user to hold this position. Gaisce celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1985, the programme
Discover Gaisce: The President’s Award for Youth Achievement Read More »
We recently had the chance to sit down with some of the amazing people behind Enable Ireland’s virtual service—a growing and powerful initiative that’s changing the way we think about disability supports in Ireland. In this episode of Disability Matters John Comiskey speaks with Jason, Valerie, and Pádraig, three passionate people who’ve helped build something
Revolutionizing Disability Support: Enable Ireland’s Virtual Services Read More »
When most people think of coeliac disease, they often associate it with stomach aches and avoiding bread. But in reality, this autoimmune condition is far more complex – and for many, it remains undiagnosed for years, quietly affecting multiple systems in the body. In this episode of Disability Matters, we speak to Sarah Keogh, Consultant
At Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), we continue our commitment to amplifying voices and sharing resources that support people with disabilities in Ireland. This month, we spoke with Sorcha Barlow, MS Support and Education Nurse at Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, about the realities of living with MS and the services available to support people across
Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from MS Nurse Sorcha Barlow Read More »
Inclusion has become a central theme in education, and nowhere is this more evident than in the efforts of Dr. Frances Murphy and Susan Marron from the School of Arts Education and Movement at Dublin City University’s Institute of Education. In their conversation with Disability Matters, the two educators shared how their work in physical
When Máirín Ní Bheacháin stepped onto the TEDx stage for the first time, she wasn’t simply delivering a talk. She was defying every fear, limitation, and obstacle that once stood in her way. As a personal stylist, entrepreneur, and volunteer, her message —rooted in lived experience — is about confidence, resilience, and choosing to live
“You Have a Choice Every Day”: The Story of Máirín Ní Bheacháin Read More »
In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Dr. Una Molloy, a Advanced Nurse Practitioner in palliative medicine and representative of the Irish Association for Palliative Care (IAPC). Dr. Molloy offered deep insight into what palliative care truly means and the vital role it plays in supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.
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,
“No Excuses, Just Possibilities”: Rob O’Byrne Brings Inclusive Fitness to Life Read More »
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
