Community Connection – Radio Programme
Latest episode…
Listen to our Community Connection podcasts…
2023
March 2023
On March’s Community Connection in collaboration with Dlr PPN, we are joined by Stephen Curran of the Probono project at UCD, Lisa Sieger Jamison from the Southside Partnership and Kevina Malone from the Dlr Sports Partnership, Rebecca Roper and Louisa Keogh from the IADT and Kate Gray from Move4Parkinsons
Listen to the March 2023 Podcast
February 2023
On February’s Community Connection, in collaboration with DLR PPN, we are joined by guests from Blackrock Business Network, Women’s Voice Dlr, The Garda Older Persons Association and ArtNetDlr.
Listen to the February 2023 Podcast
January 2023
We are joined by guests from Blackrock Business Network, Women’s Voice Dlr, The Garda Older Persons Association and ArtNetDlr.
2022
December 2022
- Dun Laoghaire Tidy Towns Chairperson Brian Flynn joins us. The Dún Laoghaire Tidy Towns group was re-established in January 2020, and have a large and growing group of volunteers working endlessly for a cleaner and tidier town in which to live.
- Donough O’Reilly joins us to discuss the Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society, which publishes the 17th edition of Obelisk which features a wide range of articles most of them with south Dublin connections.
- In our final interview of 2022, Colette Downing, acting Network Manager at DLR PPN, joins us to reflect on another challenging year for the PPN, the highs and lows and her thoughts for 2023.
Listen to the December 2022 Podcast
November 2022
- Gavin Harte of ESD Training together with the Dlr PPN are holding a free Energy Workshop on the 6th of December at 7pm on Zoom to discuss Sustainable Energy Communities and energy efficiency.
- Eimear McAuliffe from the Rotary Club in Dún Laoghaire joins us to discuss this year’s Annual Christmas Food Collection.
- Women’s Voice DLR is a new non profit organisation that was born out of a course entitled Women and Leadership. Chairperson, Aurelia Ciblis tells us about the group and their next event at the multicultural women’s breakfast.
- East Coast Rowing Clubs undertook the challenge of rowing around Ireland in 24 hours on ergs in aid of Alice Hayes, a 9-year-old girl from Blackrock who was diagnosed with cancer. Gareth Witthington and Nicola Fitzgerald from the St. Michael’s RC discuss the fundraising initiative.
Listen to the November 2022 Podcast
October 2022
On this episode we are talking to:
- Patrick Davey of SAGE who joins us to update us on progress
- Jonathan Douglas of Team Hope Ireland gives us further details regarding their annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal
- Conor O’Leary of Purple House Ireland provides further details on developments
Listen to October 2022 Podcast
September 2022
- Mary McDonagh about Mary Mc Productions, and the creation of a platform for the traveller community within the Arts.
- Siraj Zaidi about the 2022 Indian Film Festival in Ireland
- Christina Matthews of the Cabinteely Youth Theatre, and their call for new volunteers and upcoming productions in 2022.
- Dave Lawless of DLR County Council, about the council’s collaboration with the James Joyce Tower & Museum
Listen to the September 2022 Podcast
August 2022
In this episode, Community Connection explores:
- Dalkey Active Retirement Association (DARA)– The active retirement association for people who are retired and/or over the age of 55 living in Dalkey, Co. Dublin and surrounding areas.
- Blackrock Bridge Club- Eddie Mortimer joins us to talk bridge and tell us more about the Blackrock Bridge Club.
- Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society – which will recommence its monthly talks at 8:00 pm on Thursday, 8 September in Glenalbyn Sports Club.
- The Irish National Sailing Club –Jack Hughes joins us to discuss further.
Listen to the August 2022 Podcast here!
July 2022
In this episode, Community Connection explores:
- The DLR First Frames Scheme– a programme delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Art, Design & Technology’s (IADT) National Film School.
- Stop Food Waste- a national campaign by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce household food waste in Ireland.
- The Discussion Group- an initiative to build community by letting people do what they do best-talk!
Listen to the July 2022 Podcast here!
June 2022
- Gavin Harte of ESD Training and Bill O’Dea of Mushroom Stuff who will act as facilitators for the DLR PPN Climate Conversations
- Kevin O’Farrell and Rob Collins from St Michael’s Rowing Club who completed their epic journey across the Atlantic on the 31st of May
Listen to the June 2022 Podcast here!
May 2022
- Indian Dance and Dramatic Academy of Ireland – Siraj Zaidi, founder and director
- Aphasia Ireland David Flynn, CEO joins us to tell more about Asphasia Awareness Month
- Dalkey Rowing Club – Cliona O’Reilly from the joins us to tell us more about this weekend’s Regatta in Scotman’s Bay, Sandycove
- Great Care Co Op – Aoife Smith, Danielle Neilson and Graziele Laurindo join us to tell us more.
Listen to the May 2022 Podcast here!
April 2022
- Draft Vision Statement – Simone Sav of the Dlr PPN joins us to update on the progress made in preparing the Vision Statement.
- Bridge@67 – Eddie Mortimer talks to us about the return of Social Bridge at the Pastoral Centre in Booterstown.
- English in the Library – With over 40 students from across the world, Rosalind Bardwise joins us to tell us more.
- Roger Casement Summer School – Dave Alvey, Chair of the Roger Casement Summer School discusses this year’s festival
Listen to the April 2022 Podcast here!
March 2022
- St Joseph’s Church, Glasthule – John Power of Tech Tuesdays + Wednesday Workshop joins us to tell us more.
- Cycling Without Age – Steve Slusarski from The Bike Hub joins us to discuss this exciting initiative.
- National Maritime Museum of Ireland – Cormac Lowth tells us more about his talk which is based on his, soon to be released, book of the same name.
- Smashing Times present The Art of W/Rights – Joining us to tell us more is Mary Moynihan, Artistic Curator for Smashing Times.
Listen to the March 2022 Podcast here!
February 2022
- Gabrielle Lowe, about the Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, what they do and how you can get involved.
- ArtNetdlr presents Covid 19 Good News Story – Biennale Collaborative Project Metamorphosis, an exhibition of seventy-eight artists from Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown.
- As part of the National Maritime Museum of Ireland’s lecture series, David Snook delivered a talk – Ireland and the WW1 Endgame.
Listen to the February 2022 Podcast here!
January 2022
- Mary Going from the HSE Community Healthcare East discusses Living Well, a free HSE programme for adults with a long term health condition
- Eimear McAuliffe from the Rotary Club in Dun Laoghaire joins us to talk to us about the School Bikes Africa project.
- David Sullivan discusses his recent talk – My Search for Du Teillay’ which he delivered as part of the National Maritime Museum of Ireland’s series of lectures.
- Marilyn Nyquist of women4women talks to us about Women’s Voices: The Unfinished Democracy in Ireland’ – a webinar delivered as part of the Work 4 Change series.
2021
December 2021
- The Community Time Machine project is an age-friendly, cross generational, neighbourhood community project which aims to connect communities across
the country. Aine Lawless from Neighbourhood Network joins us to tell us more. - Elleesa Rushby duscusses her recent talk – SS Isolda: Censorship, Secrecy and Grief in Emergency Ireland – which was featured as part of the National
Maritime Museum’s lecture series. The talk looked at new primary evidence to re-tell the story of the sinking, commemorate the men who were lost and the
widows who mourned them, placing the sinking of a quite ordinary Irish Lights Tender in the complex and often secretive world of Emergency Ireland. - Simone Sav, Network Manager at DLR PPN joins us to reflect on another challenging year for the PPN, the highs and lows and her thoughts for 2022.
Listen to the December 2021 Podcast here!
November 2021
- Rotary Club of Dun Laoghaire.
- Beckett in Foxrock 2021.Dalkey Tidy Towns.
- Indian Film Festival 2021.
Listen to the November 2021 Podcast here!
October 2021
- Cabinteely Youth Theatre joins us to talk us about their campaign to recruit new members after Covid.
- JP Kinsella and Sean Mari from Monkstown (Dublin) Boxing Club talk to us about the gym and the classes they offer.
- Patrick McCarthy talks to us concerning his talk ‘ A Dangerous Stretch of Water’ which he delivered as part of The National Maritime Museum lecture series.
- Members from the DLR Comhairle na nÓg, join us to discuss Dlr Comhairle na nOg and their Climate Change project.
Listen to the October 2021 Podcast here!
September 2021
- Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Public Network in collaboration with DLR County Council will begin the consultation for the creation of the Vision for Community Wellbeing Statement for our county. It will be a shared vision for the wellbeing of our communities for this and future generation.
- The 2021 Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival will showcase and highlight the extraordinary work of human rights defenders in Ireland and around the world, past and present, and the role of the arts and artists in promoting human rights today.To discuss the festival in more detail, we are joined by Mary Moynihan, Artistic Curator for Smashing Times.
- Shankill Day Care Centre (also known as Shankill Old Folks Association (SOFA)) is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation providing social, recreational and community service and facilities for Senior Citizens living in the Shankill area.
Listen to the September 2021 podcast here!
Archive of previous Community Connection Programmes can be found here.
August 2021
- Saint Joseph’s Shankill – their vision is to lead the way in dementia care in Ireland through innovation, education and community engagement ensuring that people living with dementia enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
- Nutgrove & Loreto Men’s Shed – came about when a group of local retired men had visited the Shed in Sandyford and decided they could and would do the same in Loreto.
- Shankill Action for a Green Earth (SAGE) – formed in November 2015 as a climate change initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the threats posed by climate change to try to lower the carbon footprint within the area. We discuss the highs and lows of fighting climate change.
- Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal – an annual campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty. Often these shoebox gifts are the only gift that a child will receive at Christmas and the joy that they bring is incredible.
July 2021
- Chair of the dlr Roger Casement Summer School joins us to discuss the life of Roger Casement and the Wreath-laying Ceremony to be held on Tuesday 3 August at 29, Sandycove Road, Co Dublin.
- The Great Care Co-Op , launch a new community engagement initiative – a postcard campaign to spread positive messages and combat loneliness and isolation that many people have experienced during Covid. Danielle Neilson from the Great Community Education Programme for Health and Wellbeing is a programme delivered by Grow Mental Health in partnership with DLR Social Prescribing.
- Author and historian, Jim Rees, joins us to discuss the fascinating life of Captain Robert Halpin, Master Mariner from Wicklow Town. Jim will deliver a lecture by the same name on behalf of the National Maritime Museum on Thursday 19 August at 1:10pm.
June 2021
- Robert Burns from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council – Dublin Action Climate Week 2021, Aine Lawless from Neighbourhood Network – Community.
- Sharon Perry from SWAN – STEPS for Women Skills Programme, a workshop focusing on women returning to employment and education.
- Cathy Martin from Foroige – their projects and programmes and the opportunities in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area for volunteers.
May 2021
- Simone Sav, DLR PPN Network Manager.
- Professor Grace Mulcahy and Daniel Breen from University College Dublin.
- Mariaam Bhatti, joins us to discuss the Great Care Co-op.
- Therese Coveney of The Together Academy.
April 2021
- Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager and Bealtaine Festival Artistic Director will discuss the Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age.
- Martyna Starzinskaite of ArtNetdlr, joins us to discuss the ArtNetdlr Artist Talks.
- Simone Sav, DLR PPN Network Manager joins us to discuss the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the outcome from the two workshops which formed the Climate Conversations.
- National Maritime Museum online series of talks, Dr Jeff Kildea, Honorary Professor in Irish Studies at the University of New South Wales, delivered a fascinating talk on the Royal Navy’s hijacking of Archbishop Daniel Mannix.
March 2021
- Breffni McGuinness National Bereavement Development Specialist with the Irish Hospice Foundation.
- Mairéad Shannon from the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown branch of Arthritis Ireland.
- Stephanie Kearnes from Saint Joseph’s Shankill Community Centre.
- Conor O’Leary Manager at Purple House Cancer Support.
- Ian Smalley from the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
February 2021
- John O’Toole, Director of Operations at the Airfield Estate will discuss the Farmer’s Market, the ‘Good Food Delivered’ programme and the other events and programmes offered by Airfield Estate.
- Mary O’Donohue, Executive Director at Making Connections, will discuss the ‘Good Food Delivered’ programme and the other services offered by Making Connections.
- Bobby McCormack, CEO of Development Perspectives, will discuss the Sustainable Development Goal Advocate training programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals initiative.
- Kevin Kenny, Director of the Shackleton Museum Athy, will be discussing, the life of Ernest Shackleton, ahead of his online lecture, as part of the National Maritime Museum of Ireland’s Monthly Winter Talks series.
January 2021
- DLR PPN Network Manager – the Training Schedule for spring 2021 which is open to all PPN members and offers free courses covering a range of subjects.
- Lisa Sieger-Jamison from the Southside Partnership – DLR Social Prescribing for Health and Wellbeing programme and the supports available.
- Dr Fiona O’Doherty from NoSUPtown- Single use plastic and the projects they run in achieving their objective of reducing single use plastic.
- Dr Michael Kennedy of the Royal Irish Academy will deliver the National Maritime Museum’s January lecture on the subject of The Dalkey Coastwatchers: World War II from Sorrento Park. He joins us to talk about this fascinating and forgotten piece of our history.
2020
December 2020
- Kim Tully from Engaging Dementia discusses the Sonas Programme, the Virtual Dementia Café and the other services they provide to care workers.
- David Gunning, DLR Libraries Archivist in Residence talks to us about What’s in a Name, a visual history celebrating the centenary.
- Eimear McAleese from the Rotary Club of Dun Laoghaire will discuss their Christmas Appeal for 2020 and how you can help them achieve this year’s target of 100 hampers.
- Anne Dempsey of Senior Line talks about 2020 and the services they provide over the Christmas period.
Simone Sav from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Public Participation Network talks to us about the challenges that the PPN and its members have faced this year. - Dundrum 2030 and their work with the Dundrum community towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Goals for 2030 and beyond.
- Failte Isteach’s English In The Community community project welcoming migrants through conversational English classes
Codema’s online Save Energy at Home and In Your Community event. - The Leeson Park Players keep theatre alive during lockdown with their upcoming online series of plays on December 4th, 5th, & 6th.
- Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal for 2020.
October 2020
- The Dance Theatre of Ireland, and their new online dance classes for seniors and people with Parkinson’s.
- Shanganagh Castle Allotments and their community allotment scheme.
- The new Community Call helpline for residents of DLR.
- The Dublin Arts & Human Rights Festival for 2020.
September 2020
- Sustainable Energy Communities, and DLR County Council’s plans to support local neighbourhoods in establishing or strengthening Sustainable Energy Communities within the County.
- Muslim Sisters of Eire, about their organisation and the launch of their new community helpline.
- Cuala GAA, and their participation in the Musgrave/GAA Club Together Initiative, assisting vulnerable members of the community during the COVID 19 pandemic.DLR Public Participation Network, and their plenary meeting for October 2020.
August 2020
- Dr Ailbhe Murphy, Director for Create: about e Autumn 2020 School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice
Catherine Leonard, Co-ordinator for the Balally Family Resource Centre about how they have delivered their services during lockdown and their call for new volunteers. - Majella McCallister, Founding Director of the Museum of Childhood Ireland to talk about the museum and their 2020 Together, Le Cheile project, which has been shortlisted to reach the final 5 in the Digital Category for the Family Friendly Museum Award.
July 2020
- GROW Mental Health Recovery – John Farren: Their collaboration with Southside Partnership to deliver their free virtual Mental Health Programme online.
- Purple House Cancer Support – Conor O’Leary: Their expanded supports during COVID lockdown, their new premises, and plans for the future.
- Festina Lente Equestrian Centre – Dr. Jill Carey, Chief Executive Officer: Their innovative new services for children with disabilities.
- Age & Opportunity – Ciaran McKinne: The release of their “Something Inside So Strong” video series that helps senior citizens build resilience in their mental health.
June 2020
- Southside Travellers Action Group: The online services they have continued to provide to the traveller community in the Dun Laoighaire Rathdown area during the Covid 19 pandemic, and how their services have expanded to the UK & USA.
- Balinteer St John GAA Club: Their May fundraisers for Pieta House, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the club’s volunteer work serving the Balinteer community.
- Local Vocals Loughlinstown: How they have operated during lockdown and the Dreamland Garden Festival.
- CYPS (Children & Young People’s Service): The launch of LetsTalkDLR.ie, a new innovative mental health platform for young people in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown that helps to connect them with mental health services in their area.
May 2020
- DLR COCO, Therese Langan: Community Call helpline.
- Southside Partnership: Cormac Shaw and Lisa Sieger.
- DLR PPN: Residents Response to Covid-19, study.
- Clanwilliam Instuite, Alice Kelly: Family Supports during lockdown.
- Airfield Estate: New click and collect market service.
April 2020
- Simone Sav | Manager, DLR PPN Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Public Participation Network.
- David Beggs | Pure Pharmacy.
- Gabby Mallon | CEO of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber.
- Cormac Shaw | CEO of Southside Partnership DLR.
- Anne Dempsey | Communications Manager, Seniorline.
- Claire Carroll | Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Volunteer Centre.
2019
December 2019
- CoderDojo – a volunteer-run coding initiative that has been making some big waves in 2019 for the STEAM movement (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).
- BusConnects, and how it affects bus routes in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Area.
- St.Michael’s Rowing Club – Dún Laoghaire, it’s growing popularity and hopes for the future.
- ShankillMatters – Shankill Tidy Towns and the Trees For All project – Tree Council of Ireland.
- Laura Howe, Network Manager for the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Public Participation Network about the Strategic Policy Committees scheme.