ANNE MARIE CONNOLLY of the Peter McVerry Trust joins Noel McGuinness on the eve of World Homeless Day 2013.She tells Noel about of some of the events the Trust organised to mark the occasion, including a treasure hunt, a schools’ rugby competition, Tesco collections and a Zombie Run at Marino College. A number of sponsored…
Coolock’s 23 Female Graduates Are Entrepreneurs of the Future
John Healy reads a letter of appreciation and congratulates the 23 female entrepreneurs who recently graduated from the Coolock Development Council’s training course. In previous months Fiona Nolan has been updating listeners on the progress of the group and John takes the time to let listeners know the outcome of the course and acknowledge the…
Lámh Day celebrations
Pat Meehan speaks to TARA from St John of God Menni Services about Lámh Day, which is a day to create awareness, promote and celebrate a standardized form of Irish sign language adapted especially for people with intellectual disabilities. Lábh sign language was developed in the 1980’s…
Rediscover Cycling Centre in Ballymun
Barbara Jennings reports from the Rediscover Cycling Centre in Ballymun, where she talks to Programme Manager PAUL CALLAN. They take bikes from donations and they rebuild them, repairing the bikes with recycled parts. They have been on since 2010 selling the bikes they repair, always with a special touch. They also offer trainings to learn…
Debra Ireland operates Charity shop on Camden Street, Dublin
Barbara Jennings joins Carmel to discuss Debra Ireland in their charity shop on Camden street and the work that it does. Carmel explains the skin condition and the hardships associated with it. They talk of the slogan “Imagine a world without hugs” and tell how it is inspired by the fact that many people dealing…
David Lynch speaks about Budget cuts to the most vulnerable
RONNIE O’ BRIEN speaks to DAVID LYNCH who works with the community workers network about the recent budget & the cuts that have been made to the poorest & most vulnerable people, that are living in disadvantaged areas…
Cóis Céim and the Festival of Contemporary Dance
DAVID BOLGER of Cóis Céim Dance Theatre tells Eoin Drinan what is in store for the company’s forthcoming coming week-long Celebration of Dance. David says the festival offers an opportunity to see some of the many kinds of work they do. There will be six presentations of short films from Cóis Céim’s youth group “Creative…
Legislation against FMG Required
GRACE WILENTZ, NEAR FM Cultural Coordinator, and PEG McMANUS from the Intercultural Group tell Pat Meehan what’s coming up on the Culture Shots programme. A major issue under the microscope is FGM (Female Genital Mutilation). It is estimated that some 3000 women in Ireland have undergone this ritual, many of them being abducted in order…
From Village to Suburb: The Building of Clontarf
Author CLAIRE GOGARTY joins Sabrina Ryan to discuss Claire’s recent book “From Village to Suburb: The Building of Clontarf Since 1760”. Sabrina tells Sabrina about the origins of Clontarf and when it was nothing more than a small circle of houses. She also talks about the rebuilding of Clontarf Castle. Claire talks about the events…

TASC – Thinktank Action on Social Change
Ronnie O’Brien speaks to NAT O’CONNOR, Director of TASC (Thinktank for Action on Social Change) about their autumn conference. TASC are a research group looking at issues of equality, social policy and democracy in Ireland. TASC put forward evidence based policy recommendations for social change and democracy in Ireland. This discussion centres on government spending…
Peter Toohey, Author On His Book “Boredom: A Lively History”
Author PETER TOOHEY speaks to Eoin Drinan about exploring boredom in his new book “Boredom: A Lively History”. They talk of the difference between simple boredom and an existential boredom, his work as a classics lecturer which inspired his interest in the subject, literary reference to boredom in Russian novels, the idea of religion and art…

Dublin Bay Prawn Festival Howth
Noel Mc Guinness speaks to AOIFE HEALY who is founder of the Dublin prawn festival in Howth. This is the fifth year the festival has been taking place in Howth & promises to be the best & biggest so far with three marquees that will have live bands cultural events & cookery demos . There…
Katie Taylor Brings Olympic Gold to Dublin
Noel McGuinness talks to Head of Near FM’s sports department, FERGUS CARROLL after Katie Taylor winning her Olympic Gold. Two weeks after the event, Bray is still covered in posters and flags celebrating Taylor’s victory. She is no stranger to the Northside, having taken part in Colaiste Dulaigh’s ‘Skipathon’ event the previous year. The boys…
Joan Collins about home repossessions and evictions
Ronnie O’ Brien interviews TD JOAN COLLINS, who talks about their efforts to prevent house repossessions and evictions…

Malahide Sea Scouts “Sea Challenge” along the River Liffey 2013
DAVE CLARKE of the Malahide Sea Scouts joins Noel McGuinness on the phone and explains some of the story behind the history of the Unit. In particular he is speaking to highlight a venture entitled the “Sea Challenge”, a fundraising endeavour which sees them travel 125km from the source of the River Liffey to the…
