Owen Ryan
Ireland
Author of Fight of My Life
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Articles by Owen Ryan
Grassroots multi-lingual 'Off the Scéal' stage hooks Dubs
“We’re both poets and writers, we’ve been together a long time and we wanted to do something that would combine our passions. Ola is a Gaelgoir and we wanted to have a space for people whose first language isn’t English or maybe who speak Irish or maybe they are poets who want to hear a greater diversity of voices. So, we started this thing of an open mic for a multilingual audience,” said Daniel.
Government invests €12m in communities via two programmes
The Government in July announced details of funding for 4,100 projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026, while at the same time launching a new initiative entitled SÍOL to support 15 of Ireland’s most disadvantaged urban areas. The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme will benefit thousands of people across the country through actions such as the provision of new equipment and enhanced facilities. The Programme was first launched as the Community Enhancement Programme in 2018.
Men's Sheds go all inclusive - covering everything from concrete to pelvic floors
There are now 450 Men's Sheds across the country. They make a phenomenal contribution when you consider the range of activities and their impact for men and wider society across Ireland. Here Owen Ryan looks at five sheds and what they are up to. (We will look at Women's Sheds next time - Ed.) Irish Deaf Men’s Shed in Cabra The Irish Deaf Men’s Shed are meeting every Tuesday from 10-1 at Deaf Village Ireland, in Cabra West in Dublin.
Two important community and voluntary sector conferences happening soon
PPN conference on Sept 24-25 Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN) will host the National PPN Conference at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone on September 24-25. It is the eighth National PPN Conference, and the first time it will be held in Roscommon. It will be addressed by Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jerry Buttimer.
Meet the altruistic architects whose designs are shaping towns across Ireland
One might not automatically think of architecture as the type of profession that would spawn a social enterprise, but when you consider it a little more, there are very good reasons that it would. Why should the buildings and facilities we live and work in not be designed for the greater good, rather than for profit? Are there not compelling reasons that these creations be designed for social benefit, rather than for the benefit of a very small number of people chasing profits?
Colin Murphy’s ‘Miasma’ resonating in communities – see or stage it in your area!
As playwright Colin Murphy said, “It’s a really interesting test of a play and a theatre company, to play in those different circumstances. It brings out a robustness in the story telling and acting, that is really exciting. They go from playing in front of 200 people one night to the next day getting changed in a scrappy room in an IPAS Centre. The cast are up for that,” he said. While set in the 19th century the topics covered in the one-hour play resonate today.
We’re close to No.1 in the EU for volunteering
PHOTO – Tidy Towns volunteeers in Carrick-on-Shannon. Volunteering. Grassroots anti-poverty work and community-led local development. Peace, equality and equal opportunities. Rural development. Government support for rural and community development through a dedicated department which also supports Gaeltacht communities. Ireland has a very high proportion of people engaged in voluntary activity, especially in the west of the country.
Anna Moore – The Mammy of Irish Boxing
“Because people think we are a poorer sport, which I suppose in some ways we are, we’re easier to pick on. We’ve had doctors, we’ve had barristers, we’ve had priests who came up through boxing. It’s brilliant to discipline kids.” She is quick to cite some examples of where the sport, which offers an outlet for aggression and requires intense discipline, has helped young people. “We had one case where a young fella was very aggressive, and his father brought him down.
Gowran Outdoor Hub “We didn’t want any child left behind” – Denis Hynes
Inclusivity was at the heart of every decision made in developing the Outdoor Hub in Gowran, Co Kilkenny, according to Denis Hynes, who chaired the group that developed the facility. “We said that whatever we do, we would cater for all kids and that no child would be coming up, then being left out, watching their friends play and they not able to play. The castle, the trampoline, everything we got was designed for inclusion so that everyone could play,” he says.
One man’s journey from volunteering in Ukraine and being injured to volunteering in Ireland
“We have a community organisation here, the Life Development Group. We established it in 2024 as an integration programme for the Ukrainian community. Now we work with new communities – that means we work not only with Ukrainians, but with other groups also. Our goal is to involve our volunteers in local community life. We work with other community organisations when they ask us for help,” he said. “Our voluntary activities are mostly music and sport.
Catherine Lane upbeat about national pilot project to counter misinfo
“Really it was designed to support communities where they have had challenges in welcoming particularly international protection applicants into communities, particularly where there has been hostility or opposition.
Colin Murphy’s ‘Miasma’ resonates in communities – see or stage it in your area!
While set in the 19th century the topics covered in the one-hour play resonate today. The play is essentially a detective story about the fight against the cholera pandemic in 1840s–50s ‘Charles Dickens era’ London. It follows a pioneering outsider, Dr. John Snow, as he challenges medical orthodoxy and lays the foundations of modern data science and epidemiology – the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.
Pride in the community – take 4: Longford, Monaghan, Carlow and Limerick
For the first time ever Pride is being celebrated in Monaghan Town on July 25 and 26th. It will begin with Family Pride Day on the 25th at Monaghan Courthouse. A safe and sober event is promised and the MC will be Eddie McGuinness, who established The Outing Festival in Co Clare. There will also be circus performers, face painting, live music and artist stalls on the day. On the 26th at 12pm a ‘Walk With Pride’ will take place, starting at Monaghan Peace Campus.
Dozens of Irish in Glasgow for World Community Development Conference
Dozens of Irish community development workers are in Glasgow to attend and take part in the World Community Development Conference, which runs from June 30 to July 2. The event takes place biennially and has attracted representatives from more than 70 countries – all keen to exchange ideas. We spoke to two Irish people prior to departure – one from the east, another from the west of Ireland – Marie Louise Byrne and Chloe Ní Mháille.
What’s On? Here’s 2 events and a podcast for you!
Owen Ryan reports here on two upcoming events and new podcasts that will be of interest to anyone in Ireland’s community and voluntary sector. PHOTO CREDIT: The Climate Inspirations Festival photo in the above collage is from Galway City Council and is by photographer Anita Murphy.
“What do you want me to do with that?”
Client feedback prompted food bank recipe videos Waterford Food Bank has produced a series of recipe videos, available for free on YouTube, after getting feedback from recipients. The idea is to support people in receipt of food parcels in Waterford city to produce healthy and nutritious family meals with the contents of those parcels. Recipes range from creamy morning porridge to chicken fried rice, while an ingredients list and step-by-step guide is underneath each recipe.
Most parents unaware boxing is open to kids with additional needs
For four years now, children with additional needs have been given the opportunity to try boxing, through a programme known as the High Five Boxing Academy. It has been driven by Dubliner Paddy Dingle, who has coached Irish international teams and been involved with the sweet science since he was a boy of 12. “What happened was I was in England with an international schoolboy team. I met a man over there from Bristol, he had a gym where the weigh-ins were being done.
It’s a start! An apprenticeship for non-profit administrators
No-one has yet done an apprenticeship in community work in Ireland, because it’s an option that simply does not exist at present, but that could soon be rectified. The Wheel, the country’s main association for non-profit organisations, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding confirming Technological University Dublin as the official education partner in an application to the National Apprenticeship Office for a Level 6 (National Framework of Qualifications – NQI) apprenticeship.
The Great Care Co-op is making carers more visible
Mariaam Bhatti is one of the co-founders of The Great Care Co-op and she says that carers have traditionally not received the recognition they deserve. “Carers provide such valuable work, yet they are almost invisible,” she says. Her group is changing that. “Historically it was always seen as work that was done by women, but that’s not supposed to be paid for. We just see them as doing very low work, but it’s essential work as Covid has shown us,” she says.
Travellers’ Voice magazine is highly trusted after 35 years
In existence for over 30 years, Travellers’ Voice magazine looks to shine a light on issues sometimes ignored within the community, while it also acts as what editor Michael Power calls an “empowerment tool” showing Travellers who have succeeded. Travellers’ Voice – now a 48-page glossy magazine – started off in 1991 and its aim then was to connect Traveller training centres. Thirty four years on its remit has changed – both the magazine and its target audience has changed.
Three award-winning local groups that really would inspire you
Three local community groups, recognised for their work in nurturing wellbeing, could inspire other groups. One group nurtures friendship through singing, another provides accessible counselling in a large rural town, while a third sees 600 people a week come through their doors in a remote village. All three won IPB Pride of Place awards late last year. Connecting people in Timahoe, Co. Laois Timahoe Male Choir in Co. Laois was the winner of the Community Wellbeing Initiative: Focused award.
Solas community worker Craig O'Brien is fighting for change in D8
Craig O’Brien, a professional boxer with an Irish title who has been on a Katie Taylor undercard at the 3 Arena and would be familiar to Sky Sports viewers, now works with the Solas Project in Dublin 8. In his 30s and an educated and successful man, the North Inner City native is in a different place to his early twenties when he spent time in prison and grappled with addiction.
Difficulties opening bank accounts is holding people back from Tús opportunities
Tús is the Irish word for start or begin. However, bureaucracy around opening bank accounts is having a severe impact on some people who want to get back into the labour force, according to James Hill of the Northside Partnership in Dublin. James is a supervisor whose job involves working with participants on Tús work placement schemes, and he sees up close how hard it is for some people to open accounts.
"Our job is to smash limiting beliefs" - Eileen McHugh
Education She said that returning to education was a huge step for herself. “The first step was college. I was a full blown heroin addict doing my Leaving Cert and I didn’t do too well. I went back to Ballsbridge Business College and then did Organisational Management in DCU.
Southill Cafe's costs rise, demand up too and extra €10k welcome
The Hill Cafe at the Southill Hub in Limerick city is feeling the brunt of the savage inflation of recent years, according to spokesperson Aisling Lohan. While footfall has increased, it has led to increased costs. This year, it had to increase its prices, not to reflect inflation, but to keep the taxman happy. “We are victims of our own success. Two years ago we had to register for VAT, the cafe was doing so well that the sales were over the threshold.
Dublin - Crosscare Community Cafe also provides a grocery service
The Crosscare community cafe in Portland Row, Dublin, is seeing demand go up as well as its costs, according to senior manager for community services Yvonne Fleming. She says that the impact of inflation was really noticeable towards the end of the year and it is hard to find a steady source of funding. “Our cafe is open to everybody and you can get a three course meal for €5. We have our income from what people pay for the food, but that doesn’t cover the cost.
'There’s a different world out there that no one talks about'
As well as the galloping inflation St Munchin’s is also facing a situation where it will not be able to access funding that had been made available to regeneration areas in Limerick for some time. “Our running costs are €237,000. Last year we got €90,000 (from the Economic and Social intervention fund) towards it, this year we got €70,000 and next year we’ll get €50,000 if we’re lucky. Then it’ll be €25,000 and then it’s gone,” she said. That loss comes at a time when outgoings are higher than ever.
Banks bound by regulations, while Department and Pobal not alerted to issues
Two of the country’s main banks said that making things simpler for smaller groups to open accounts is not something that is within their gift. Meanwhile, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht said it had not had any complaints about difficulties, while Pobal said it didn’t know of any issues around opening accounts. A spokesperson for AIB said that it must comply with all regulations, while it said it does try to provide assistance.
"It's very frustrating"- issues for groups opening bank accounts
Spare a thought for Walkinstown Number Two Sister Shed, who have been trying to open a bank account for close to two years, without success. Sister Sheds are places where women can come together, and where they hopefully empower each other and provide support for one another. The aims are basically about making a positive difference in the community, but the Walkinstown version has been hampered by bureaucracy; something that community groups around Ireland are becoming familiar with.
Social Enterprise: Tralee trainees get kickstart serving coffee
• People who come to Ireland seeking refuge and who find themselves in Tralee, Co. Kerry, are getting a kickstart as barista trainees serving ethically-produced coffee from a converted horsebox. Located on Boherbee Road, near Austin Stack GAA Stadium, the Coffee Pod is one of the most impactful social enterprises in the country. The food truck is run by Tralee International Resource Centre and it provides training opportunities to asylum seekers and refugees such as Dariia Asieieva.
Ukrainians in Sligo: “Everyone is really thankful for the support"
More than three and a half years after the Russian invasion saw millions of Ukrainians displaced, efforts in the north west of Ireland to integrate them into the local economy and society continue. Among the displaced is Anna Koka, who came to Ireland in April, 2022. At home she worked in banking, but she is now the Ukrainian Employment Links Worker with Sligo LEADER Partnership. “This is a complete change of direction, into social and community work, but it is very interesting,” she says.
PANDEMIC HANGOVER: Some rural groups only now back face-to-face
PHOTO: Our lead image shows – Charles Malone (centre) with fellow members celebrating 30 years of Tullamore Toastmasters. For some time they had gone with hybrid meetings, but they felt they were left with no option but to cut those out. “There wasn’t a connection with the people online. There were two different meetings; people online was one meeting and those in the room was another.
The activist Liberties priest Fr. Michael Mernagh
– arrested defending Travellers, targeted by Haughey, fought injustices in Ireland and South Africa “We were locked up in the cells for some time. The case was heard and the judge told us to go home and behave ourselves and he gave us the Probation Act.
EU backs Kildare communities to show it how integration works best
In early October, a new EU-funded pilot project was launched in North Kildare, bringing together local communities, employers, and Ukrainian refugees. It is the only Irish project selected for this Europe-wide programme, which aims to explore practical approaches to refugee integration.
Social workers and activists tell of Sr Stan’s influence on them
The death of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy led to many tributes and stories being told by social workers, activists and teachers who were influenced by her bravery, modesty and determination to fight “systems that were the cause of injustice.” Writing on rip.ie, a woman who just signed herself as Ruth, said that Sister Stan had greatly influenced her career. “I was lucky enough to meet Sr Stan a few times during the period I worked in Focus Ireland.
Little Free Libraries are popping up around the country
A schoolteacher himself, Todd felt the movement he founded could have a global impact. He once said, “I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighbourhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.” Over the last few years, Little Free Libraries have opened up all over the country.
Tyrone's Teo takes the Bragging Rights
After a compulsive battle Teo Alin leaves the Devenish Complex with the BUI Celtic Super Featherweight title. He won by unanimous decision, 78-74, 77-75 and 80-72, the latter card harsh on Lee Gormley who did contribute a lot to a really entertaining fight. The opening half of the fight did see East Timor born Alin dominate, and in the first round he demonstrated some of the attributes that would win him the belt.
BRAGGING RIGHTS - LIVE UNDRCARD UPDATES
There’s more than just bragging rights up for grabs in the Devinish tonight. The BUI Celtic title is on the line when Teo Alin and Lee Gormley fight on top of the Conlan Sports and Hammer Boxing bill. Beyond an eagerly anticipated clash, there is plenty of undercard action to follow. There are step-ups for Kelsey Leonard and Bernardo Marime, second pro outings for Lex Weston, Christina Desmond and Rhys Owens.
Surprising benefits "if you present yourself as the CEO"
What’s in a name? Or more to the point, what’s in a title? Well, when the title is CEO it can be quite a lot, or that is the view of some in a sector that has increasingly borrowed from the language of the corporate world. James O’Neill is the founder and CEO of Property Marking Ireland and he finds that, rightly or wrongly, the title of CEO attracts a greater level of respect. “I have a board that I report to. We thought about it and it’s for recognition (the use of CEO) as much as anything else.
Waterford group rebranding found Irish words worked best
What was Waterford Area Partnership until late September is now Buíon Phort Láirge, the name change reflecting an organisation that has rebuilt and expanded from a crisis situation earlier in the decade. “We had the launch on September 26.
For community groups rebranding is "a really big deal"
Change is said to be the only constant and across the country a number of local development companies have changed their names in recent times, to more accurately reflect what they do today. Here, we look at three organisations that rebranded and renamed themselves this year. In the mid-west, the long established PAUL Partnership recently became Limerick City Partnership, reflecting changes since it was originally set up in the 1980s.
Shankill Shared Women's Centre wins top EU award
The PEACE-funded Shankill Shared Women’s Centre in Belfast has been officially recognised as one of the top projects in Europe for promoting inclusion and delivering life-changing impacts within the local community it serves. “To be recognised and win out of 266 applicants from across Europe is just incredible,” said a project representative in a celebratory message to supporters.
More funding and attention "if you present yourself as the CEO"
What’s in a name? Or more to the point, what’s in a title? Well, when the title is CEO it can be quite a lot, or that is the view of some in a sector that has increasingly borrowed from the language of the corporate world. James O’Neill is the founder and CEO of Property Marking Ireland and he finds that, rightly or wrongly, the title of CEO attracts a greater level of respect. “I have a board that I report to. We thought about it and it’s for recognition (the use of CEO) as much as anything else.
'We looked at Irish words and found many that reflect what we do'
What was Waterford Area Partnership until late September is now Buíon Phort Láirge, the name change reflecting an organisation that has rebuilt and expanded from a crisis situation earlier in the decade. “We had the launch on September 26.
Budget measures didn't go far enough, say Irish Rural Link
While there were some positive things in this month’s budget, Irish Rural Link (IRL), the national network representing the interests of rural communities, has said they don’t go far enough.
Ravishing Paul Ryan downs Donovan's hopes
While there wasn’t a huge amount between them, Paul Ryan probably did deserve the victory in the final fight of the jam packed A New Dawn card tonight. Donovan did come forward most but couldn’t really ever land anything very damaging on his opponent. Ryan may not have really hurt Donovan much either, but he did land the better shots in a lot of the rounds, finding openings when his rival sought to put on pressure.
Cronin wins first title at fourth attempt
Unlucky not to take a title on three previous occasions, Kerry’s Kevin Cronin took the BUI Irish light heavyweight title tonight, fortune finally favoring him after a very close fight against Cathal Crowley. Like many of the fights on the night, this was decided on the preferences of the judges, rather than anything truly decisive that happened in the ring. It was a very close affair, with a number of rounds having been possible to score either way.
O'Sullivan pips Walsh for BUI Irish super welterweight title
Daniel O’Sullivan just about came out on top in an epic title fight tonight, his victory a fitting reward for a hugely honest display, against the classy Wexford man Dean Walsh. It was a relentless display from O’Sullivan, who just never let Walsh settle. That said, there could have been few complaints if the decision had gone the other way, it was that type of fight. O’Sullivan clearly knew what he had to do to limit Walsh. And he did everything he could to make that happen.
Carr gets decision over Murray
After a close fight, Peter Carr was named a 59-56 winner over Seanie Murray. It was a little rough on Murray, who made a big contribution to a very entertaining fight. Murray had started well, and could easily have been given the first round, as he was possibly the busier of the two. However there was no argument about the second, with Carr inflicting serious punishment on his opponent.
New Dawn - LIVE UNDERCARD UPDATES
The National Stadium plays host to a stacked card tonight. JB Promotions bring a ‘New Dawn’ to the South Circular Road. There are no fewer than 15 fights on the Triller TV broadcast bill. Of those 14 bouts, four are domestics, two of which are for titles; there are also three female bouts on the card and several debuts.
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