In this episode Dan and Eammon interview Anita Dooley, Head of Education in Limerick Prison.
Episode 2 of on the Margins where Eamonn and I discuss Neurodiveristy, special needs and Inclusion with the very wonderful Dr Sadhbh O'Dwyer.
Discussing Autism, Dylexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD amoung other epecial educational needs or as Sadhbh would prefer to call them neurodiversities. Sadbh is a big believer in the pricipal of "nothing about us, without us", and indeed in social justice, [particularly for the neurodiverse. Sadhbh is a researcher in Inclusion at the University of Limerick. Sadhbh has worked in initial teacher education and health education. She is a specialist teacher assessor for Specific Learning Difficulties. Her PhD research is on the experience of dyslexia tutors in UK HEIs. Her interests lie in the sociology of education as well as educational psychology. She is also a mother and a proud West Tipperary woman.
Also available on:
ACast
https://shows.acast.com/on-the-margins/episodes/6768239ea5aeb35e7cb4a27a
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5716KgwJzYWLnJIE5tWXMB
Episode 3 What is Sustainable Living? - Veronica Ryan and Pedar kirby
This week, we’re asking: “What is Sustainable Living?”
Recorded on location in the inspiring Cloughjordan Ecovillage, this special episode celebrates the birthday of the legendary David Attenborough with an early release!
Veronica Ryan and Peadar Kirby are residents of a pioneering community.
Expect to learn about the innovative practices and community spirit that define Cloughjordan Ecovillage. Veronica and Peadar share their personal experiences and insights of life in Ireland's only eco village. Discover the challenges and triumphs of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly environment, the commitment to renewable energy and organic farming, and the vibrant social initiatives that make Cloughjordan a model for sustainable living. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode offers many valuable nuggets of information, and much, much more.
We hear from voices often left out of the sustainability conversation—learners on the margins—sharing their insights, hopes, and challenges in creating a more just and green future.
🎂 Let’s honour David by listening to those building change from the ground up.
🔗 Listen now:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDxrtKuIivk
🎙️ Acast: https://shows.acast.com/on-the-margins/episodes/6826fc6eee813e8be2142aa1
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cCaSWpiSyc6GHKvyd9q5i
#OnTheMargins #SustainableLiving #Cloughjordan #DavidAttenborough #ClimateJustice #VoicesUnheard #PodcastDrop #EnvironmentalJustice #EcovillageLife
Episode 4 Pathways to Potential - John Roche Director of Engage in Education
This week, we’re joined by John Roche, Director of Engage in Education, a Limerick-based educational charity doing incredible work with students and families across Southill, Ballinacurra Weston, St Mary’s Park, and Moyross.
In this powerful conversation, John shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of supporting educational equity in underrepresented communities — and how real change begins with listening, trust, and long-term commitment.
If you care about education, community empowerment, or simply want to hear a story of hope and action — this one’s not to be missed.
Listen now:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=funh1YWfVXs
Acast: https://shows.acast.com/.../epis.../683029669cad4906be6add38
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GfJi2zMIarBooI9u3uDdy...
Episode 5 Learning for Life - Sorcha Warton August
In this week’s episode of On the Margins, we sit down with Sorcha Wharton August, Community Employment Supervisor and Manager of St Mary’s Adult Education Centre — a cornerstone of lifelong learning in Limerick’s St Mary’s Parish.
📚 From its humble beginnings as a grassroots initiative to its evolution into a thriving outreach campus, Sorcha shares the incredible story behind the centre’s growth. Discover how they deliver QQI-accredited programmes, social activity classes, and confidential literacy supports, creating real, lasting impact across generations.
Expect to learn:
✨ How adult education is changing lives
✨ The power of community employment
✨ What it takes to build inclusive, local learning hubs
… and so much more!
🔗 Listen now:
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VikH13yRr7c
🎙️ Acast: https://shows.acast.com/on-the-margins/episodes/68381972998551779ffbe8d8
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0QIdgWQKYTzOLD8zBDZEMw
💡 For more on the incredible work happening at St Mary’s Adult Education Centre, visit: www.stmarysadulteducation.ie
Episode 7 Home Schooling - PJ Mc Namara
PJ on Home Education in Ireland
This week on On the Margins, we sit down with PJ, a Home Education Assessor with TUSLA, formerly a second-level educator and school principal.
Expect to learn:
How Ireland’s unique constitution shapes home schooling
Why home education is on the rise
The many diverse reasons students and parents choose alternatives to mainstream education
What PJ’s role reveals about a lesser-known side of the Irish education system
We truly enjoyed this insightful and eye-opening conversation with PJ, offering a deep dive into an area often overlooked in the broader education debate.
Listen now:
YouTube: Watch here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mplR9ree0Yw
Spotify: Listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/40lvWMAXqYBB1Wgx2X4p26
Acast: Stream here
https://shows.acast.com/on-the-margins/episodes/684990a71a37473f7df7a04c
Episode 8: Restortative Practice with Joe Power
🎧 NEW EPISODE DROP: On the Margins Podcast 🎧
Guest: Joe Power | Topic: Restorative Practice, Real Change
What if the key to transforming schools isn’t more discipline—but deeper connection?
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Power, a restorative practice trainer and former residential care worker, to explore:
· How early intervention can change lives
· Why “What happened?” is more powerful than “Why did you do that?”
· The real stories behind so-called “challenging” behaviour
· What schools, prisons, and sports teams can learn from each other
This is a must-listen for educators, youth workers, and anyone who believes in second chances.
🎙️ Tune in now on your favourite platform:
📺 Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-kILjUGE2k
🎧 Listen on Acast https://open.acast.com/networks/63a09a186bb5ca0010fb7226/shows/672bbee5afa9526ed4c4b594/episodes/685e6afa081ac1df5d1b4c0e
🎵 Stream on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/426fSWnaHTPuOQkIMz1Upc
You can contact Joe www.restorativeliving.ie
Episode 9 The Hidden Curriculum of Class – Helen Lowe
Some people think social mobility is just about “working hard.”
But for many, it’s more like a maze—with walls you can’t see, rules you don’t know, and doors that only open if you already have the key.
Ballinacurra Weston native Helen Lowe PhD Lowe is a university teacher, mother, and researcher who bridged that gap.
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvflzjuP_w0&t=28s
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tPsALqICV1ZfFV0KgzmND
ACast
https://embed.acast.com/672bbee5afa9526ed4c4b594/686f8283fe0897380e6e8b90
Episode 10 Access to Ambition: Declan Rodgers & Cian Williams
Declan Rodgers and Cian Williams are students at the University of Limerick, both supported by the UL Access programme and Engage.
Expect to learn how this programme has opened doors to higher education, offering financial, academic, and personal supports that helped Declan complete a Master’s in Education and enabled Cian to pursue a degree in medicine. In this episode, they share their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the transformative impact of access to opportunity.
If you are interested in supporting Engage, visit https://engage-edu.ie/support-us/.
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOs8WVoFZhk&t=1006s
Spotify
ACast https://open.acast.com/public/streams/672bbee5afa9526ed4c4b594/episodes/6842decec4b70577af897147.mp3