FLORENCE MUTESASIRA of international relief agency Christian Aid joins John Healy on the phone. They discuss the current crisis in The Philippines and how they will distribute the €500,000 which has been donated by the Irish government. Florence says the money will directly help 40,000 people providing tangible help in the form of tents, tarpaulins,…

Digital TV Switchover
MICHAEL QUILLIGAN talks to Pat Meehan about the TV switch-over. The switch is being made from analogue to digital TV. Michael is helping older people especially with the digital switch-over and is asking others in the various communities to help individuals and groups to get involved with helping with the switch-over. They discuss the cost of…

Killing Time: Sutton – A local book on Sutton
John Healy talks to local author MICHAEL HURLEY about a new book called ‘Killing Time: Sutton’, which is a local history of the Sutton area of Dublin. The book is 144 pages and will retail in the local area. Michael recounts some of the books chapters, including transport links to the area, the Martello Tower,…
Voting to reform Seanad Eireann
ARTHUR GRIFFIN, vice president of Fianna Fail joins Ger Leddin to discuss the proposed abolition of Seanad Eireann. Arthur speaks of the parties support for the reform of the Seanad and suggests that the current government’s plan is an attempt at a “Power grab”. They discuss the prominence of a call for Dail reform. Arthur speaks of…
Senior Citizen Alert Scheme
LINDA HAYDEN of the Darndale/Belcamp Village Centre talks to Pat Meehan about the new Senior Citizen Alert Scheme. This is a system that they fit in peoples’ homes where an alarm allows older people to contact a support person in case of Emergency. The alarm is worn by the person. A monitored smoke detector, carbon monoxide, and Internal…
All Hallows Offers Adult BA Course for Personal & Personal Professional Development
COLM KILGALLON Assistant Director of Adult Learning at All Hallows College is live in the Near FM studios with Noel McGuinness. All Hallows held an Open Day recently to attract potential students to the Adult Learning BA course at All Hallows. This course is unique in Ireland. It is based on a US programme that…
Hunt for missing man enters fifth week
CLARE KENNEDY, daughter-in-law of missing man THOMAS KENNEDY from Coolock talks to Mark Finnegan about the how the search is being conducted and the circumstances in which so many individuals seem to drop off the map unexpectedly despite the appeals and efforts of friends aND FAMILIES ALIKE…

Social Justice Media conference
PETER CUNNINGHAM, Near Co-op treasurer rounds up the planned events for the Social Justice media seminar, the day before the event occured. He outlines the various speakers lined up, tells us how Minister Pat Rabbitte will deliver the opening speech. Amongst other speakers involved on the day will be Peter McVerry, Gavin Titley and Nessa…
Irish Seal Sanctuary Update – Synchronised Birthing
BRENDAN PRICE of the Irish Seal Sanctuary speaks to Noel McGuinness about their current situation. Brendan talks about synchronised birthing, the appeal being made to give some extra space to seals and the variety of seals in Dublin…
Great Music in Irish Houses 2012
Barbara speaks to LAURIE CARR about “Great Music in Irish houses” over the summer of 2012. She spoke of the beautiful houses that they have held music events in, including Kilruddery House, The College of Surgeons as well as the National Concert Hall. Laurie spoke about the composer Steve Reich, whose percussion piece “drumming” will be performed…
Donnacha Bolger just back from Electric Picnic 2011
Noel interviews Donnacha Bolger, who’s just back from performing at the Electric Picnic, and tells his experience there with his brother Diarmuid. He plays two live songs: “Skylines” @ 3’21” and “Four years on” @ 10’25…
“Sleepwalkers” exhibition @ Hugh Lane Gallery
Noel McGuinness interviews GAVIN MURPHY an Irish artist, who’s presenting his latest exhibition “Sleepwalkers” at the Hugh Lane Gallery. He talks about his relationship with the gallery, as he has done research about the Gallery for this new exhibition and the role of the citizens of Dublin on the Gallery…
Eclipse Stage School Celebrates Fifth Birthday in 2012
Eclipse Stage School, based at Scoil Eoin Primary School in Kilbarrack, currently holds the title of Best Stage School in Ireland, and has become a leading school for young performers since it was established in 2007. Director and choreographer Kenneth Giles focuses on all aspects of performance and training. This not only helps the students…
What is “Flight of Ideas”?
PETER RYAN speaks to Eoin Drinan about his work as part of the flight of ideas group, set up as a networking initiative for artists. Peter explains the work of the group as a resource for artists across varying platforms and disciplines. He details their next scheduled event and offers up ways to connect with…
Winter Coats For The Homeless Campaign
SARAH KATE CONWAY and ROSIE OSBOURNE join John Healy in studio to discuss Sarah’s “Winter Coats For The Homeless” initiative. Sarah tells John where the idea came from and how it developed into a campaign. Rosie talks about the Peter McVerry Trust’s involvement with the campaign and some of the ways in which people can…
