ORLA O’CONNOR is Director of National Women’s Council of Ireland. She holds a Masters degree in European Social Policy from NUIM and a degree in Social Science from UCD. Orla has worked in senior management in non-governmental organisations in Ireland for over 15 year. She was previously the Head of Policy of NWCI, and has…
Re-opening of Smock Alley Theatre
John Healy speaks to PATRICK SUTTON of the Smock Alley Theatre based in Dublin City Centre. They begin by talking about the new theatre opened in 2012 and first off make a plea for people to contribute any stories which people have from the buildings past. They mention “Flash Kavanagh” the priest who supposedly told…
Deaf Sports Ireland’s Santa Fun Run
Conor speaks to LAURA LEI FOX ROBERTS from Deaf Sports Ireland about their 2nd annual Santa Fun Run. She talks about the details of the event, how it’s a fundraiser of Deaf Sports Ireland, how people can register and where in Phoenix Park that will take place. www.irishdeafsociety.ie…
Killester Arts and Crafts fair at Christmas 2012
Barbara Jennings speaks to HARRIE MCMANUS to discuss the St. Brigids resource centre arts fair taking place the following week in Killester. Harrie tells of the history of the event and how it has grown over the years. They talk of the great work done at the resource centre year round and tell of how…
Car boot sale at the Artane Market
CATHERINE O’CONNER speaks to John Healy. At the time she is trying to revamp the Artane Market, based opposite Artane Castle shopping centre. They discuss how people can clear out their bric-a-brac and bring it to the upcoming car boot sale to earn a few euro and get to know the local traders. It is…
Fire Station Artists’ Studios Celebrate 20 Years of Creativity
CLODAGH KENNY, director of the Fire Station Artists’ Studios joins Noel McGuinness to discuss the 20th anniversary of the organisation. Clodagh talks about the genesis of the studios and how the building has always been a place of work, being previously a fire station. Artists are given grants to live and work in the studio…
Local Artist
BARBARA JENNINGS speaks to local artist PADRAIG PARLE about an exhibition taking place in the Origin Gallery in Dublin city centre . He talks about his paintings, which are a take on the celtic tiger…
New shows and projects at Near FM
Noel McGuinness interviews DAVE O’CONNOR from Near Media Co-op about the new shows coming up at Near FM and the different projects both Near Fm and Near TV are taking part in at the moment…
Sewage Plant
JOHN HEALY speaks to LORCAN O’ TOOLE about Fingal County Council proposing to erect a huge sewage plant in the Rush/ Lusk area of North County Dublin. Residents are not happy about this, listen in to hear more…
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…
New Documentary Highlights Grey Seal’s Plight
BRENDAN PRICE of the Irish Seal Sanctuary talks to Noel McGuinness about a forthcoming documentary about the work of the Irish Seal Sanctuary. It hasn’t all been plain sailing for this animal charity, but the work continues with volunteers here working alongside professional conservationists to ensure that Irish seal colonies can continue to live wild,…
Live report from the Education Fair 2012
John speaks to a selection of participants at the Education Fair 2012 First up John speaks to PAUL HAYES of the Northside Partnership at the Education Fair in Parnell’s GAA club. They discuss what is happening at the event, including the 30 stalls present. Represented are UCD, DCU, Trinity College, Colaiste Dhulaigh, Killester College and…
A New European Aid Fund for the Most Deprived.
EMER COSTELLO talks to Inaki Irigoen about the new fund for European Aid to the most deprived. They begin by explaining how the fund will enable NGOs to provide food and assistance to those most in need. Ireland will receive €3 million per year for the next seven years from the fund…

Launch of Mural Commemorating Easter Rising
Pat Meehan is talking to DEARBHLA DOYLE, who is an artist and created a mural commemorating 1916. This mural depicts, what is universal to everybody, including the Proclamation, the GPO, the seven signatories and more which reflect Easter Rising…
Spirit of Folk festival 2012
Barbara speaks to NATASHA DUFFY from the Spirit of Folk festival 2012 in Navan, who talks us through the event, it’s purpose and what it entails. It is a festival with a difference as it is a family friendly festival with a number of family activities. They speak of the acts, the food vendors and…
