New Monasticism in Ireland

BERNADETTE FLANAGAN speaks to Ronnie O’Brien about “New Monasticism”, a global movement developing a network of people who are interested in having practices like mindfulness built into their daily lives. They speak of the idea of possible links to Celtic Monasticism. They speak of a “soul friend” or “An Ainm Chara” and they finally discuss…

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Ireland’s No.1 Badminton Player Ready For Irish Open In Baldoyle

Conor speaks to SCOTT EVANS, Ireland’s No.1 badminton player about the upcoming Irish Open in the Baldoyle Badminton Centre. He talks about the schedule changes in the tournament, his move to Denmark early in his career to fully pursue the sport, the locations and tournaments that he participated in, the interest of badminton in China and why…

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Water Charges: Using Property Tax To Pay For Water Meters

Councillor MARY FITZPATRICK joins John Healy. They begin by discussing water charges and Phil Hogan’s promise to fix leaks in problem areas when domestic water charges are introduced. They discuss the “First fix free” plan which the government had committed to financing at the time. Mary says she has tried to contact various organisations to…

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Irish artist Gwen O’ Dowd and the Graphic Studio Gallery

Barbara Jennings speaks to GWEN O’DOWD at the Graphic Studio Gallery in Temple bar, Dublin. They speak about the print facility itself and the services it offers.  [REPORTER PHONE SLIGHT BUZZ ON LINE] Gwen is working at the studio with master printers who assist in her work. They discuss some of Gwen’s work at the studio including…

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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…

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Africa Week 2012

Minister for Trade & Development JOE COSTELLO joins Ronnie O’Brien to discuss Africa week 2012. Joe explains that a number of official events will be taking place over the weekend. Africa Week is celebrated across Ireland and is organised by both the local government and the local authorities. Joe explains how some of the events happening include a…

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Dublin Fire Brigade Protest

Near FM volunteer STELLA GEBAUER reports from the protests that took place the 9th of April to defend the work of the Dublin Fire Brigade. The workers are worried that the ambulance service could be taken from them and given to the National Ambulance Service; all the firefighters in Dublin are trained as paramedics and they defend…

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Ireland’s Drinking Culture: Addiction or Genetics?

Doctor GARRETT MCGOVERN, a specialist in substance abuse, joins Sabrina Ryan to discuss the link between substance addiction and genetics. Dr McGovern believes there is a possible link between nature and nurture, suggesting that a family environment where drinking heavily is prevalent can have a knock-on effect on the next generation of the household. Dr…

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“First Thursdays Dublin” gallery initiative

EIMEAR joins Paula Wiseman to discuss “First Thursdays Dublin”, an initiative keeping a selection of galleries open later on the First Thursday of each month. They discuss the success of the initiative, run in tandem with “Culture Night” which they also organise each September. They share ways to get involved with “First Thursdays” both on…

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RASP Official Opening

Mark reports from the RASP (Laneview Learning Centre) official opening. Mark firstly speaks with KEVIN BEHAN, chairperson of the Board of Management. He talks about why they wanted to move to Laneview, the objections and work that is done by RASP and the alternative methods they use to help people in need. He also talks…

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