We check out the popular culture of 1981 and look at the big news stories on the day the May Games began.

As the athletes warmed up for the first May Games at Santry Stadium just two miles away, at Dublin Airport, Lawrence Downey boarded the mid-day Dublin-Heathrow flight Ei164.

 Dressed in a business suit, Downey carried some extraordinary luggage. In his holdall he had packed deadly containers of petrol and cyanide.

It was Saturday 2^nd of May 1981 – a history making day for both aviation and disabled sport in Ireland.

As Flight Ei164 started its descent over Manchester Lawrence Downey made his move. Moments later he emerged from the toilet dowsed in petrol, holding a container of cyanide. Downey directed the pilot to Saudi Arabia. He was a former Trappist monk who hijacked the plane to demand that the Vatican reveal the “3^rd Secret of Fatima”!

With insufficient fuel Flight Ei164 diverted to Le Touquet airport, outside Paris. As darkness crept in French paratroopers, taking extraordinary risks stormed the plane and rescued the 103 passengers.

 The first and only Irish airline hijacking faded fast from the headlines as the dominant news story of 1981 – the IRA hunger strike – reached a tragic moment. As our May Games participants returned home the death was announced of hunger strike leader Bobby Sands MP. Throughout the spring and summer of ’81 10 IRA hunger strikers died in the quest for political prisoner status in Northern Ireland.

The hunger strike dominated the General Election of May 1981. Charlie Haughey oversaw the loss of a very comfortable majority as Fine Gael and Labour, supported by independents, elected Dr. Garret FitzGerald as Taoiseach.

The other big item on the May election campaign in ’81 was recession. Unlike today we then had a record breaking inflation rate of 20.4%.  But then you could buy a three bed semi for 19,500 punts. Your average wage was 110 punts per week and you could buy a pint of beer for 89p.

When you turned on your mono 6 channel telly you might have been inspired by Sally O’Brien and the way she might look at you, a cult ad during the early ‘80s.  The top billing TV programmes were M.A.S.H and Dallas. The domestic TV flagship news programme was Today Tonight, with presenters Mary McAleese and Pat Kenny. Meanwhile, July 29^th 1981 saw a record breaking 750 million live TV audience for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

The top box office movie of the time was Chariots of Fire. The No. 1 pop song back on 2^nd May 1981 was Making Your Mind Up from Bucks Fizz, winner of the 1981 Eurovision at the RDS, Dublin. The US No. 1 was 9 to 5 from Sheena Easton. 

As the First May Games were in full swing Aston Villa were declared English League Champions. 10 days later Spurs took the FA Cup. On 4th of July John McEnroe – yes we can be serious – dethroned 5 times champion Bjorn Borg to claim his first ever Wimbledon. In September Offaly won their first ever hurling All Ireland while Kerry made it 4 in a row in football. 

Sadly, 1981 was the year of the tragic St. Valentine’s Stardust fire in which 48 young revellers lost their lives in Artane.

 Little known rockers U2 were bottom of the bill for the first ever Slane.  On 11 May 1981 Jamaica bid farewell to their legend Bob Marley.

1981 saw the launch of MTV.  The first ever pc was unveiled by IBM while the word “internet” entered the Oxford English Dictionary.

As ex-monk hijacker Downey began his 5 year jail sentence there was a priest in the west of Ireland who had a very different aviation vision: an airport in Knock. In May 1981 Monsignor James Horan persuaded outgoing Taoiseach Charlie Haughey to grant him a few bob. Several controversial years later the dream became reality as the now highly successful Ireland West airport was born.

Sure, we were all flying in 1981!

The post May Games 1981 – What’s Another Year appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Listen here to the story of the first May Games. This audio extract is from Joe Geraghty’s popular book Out of Sight! Stories of Ireland’s blind and vision impaired sportspeople. It is read by Sarah Pyle from the Vision Ireland Library. Joe’s book was published by Martello Press and is availabe through this website in all formats (see home page).

The post Mays Like This – Listen back to the story of the first May Games – 2nd May 1981 appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

It seems everyone has a favourite May Games memory. As a variety of supporters contacted us in recent weeks we asked them for a favourite. Here are some of the printable memories! 

 PAT KELLY – European and Paralympic 400M bronze medallist, former Sports & Social Club administrator. 2026 update: Pat is an active tandem cyclist.

 I remember Charlie Haughey attending the May Games in ’86, with Miss Ireland, Anne Marie Gannon in toe (although with my blindness, I didn’t know he had company. “Pat, meet Charlie Haughey?” beamed Terry Saunders, Games PRO.  “How are ya Charlie” I said, “I believe you’re with a fine bird today”! Saunders pinched me and quickly moved me on as he wasn’t sure what I would say or do next!

CAROL CARR: 400m gold medallist, 1984 Paralympic Games and winner of 4 European gold medals). 2026 update: Carol was a recent contributor to the Out of Sight with Joe G podcast.

Those first May Games catapulted me into the sport of athletics. Yes, I had run before in local races in Trya Lough on the Fannad Peninsula. But, here I was at 16 with no spikes, running on a tartan track for the first time. As the sun beamed down I remember the 400M felt so long but, so exciting to complete, and win.  It was the day which opened my life to a new sport, new confidence and most of all new and lasting friendships.

The late JIMMY MURRAY – first IBS Chairman, founder Irish Blind Golf Society.

The May Games 30th anniversary brings to mind the great work done by those who founded the Games, and those involved in its organisation over the years.  I got involved in the Games in the mid ‘80s; it first happened for me 30 or more years earlier when I won the 100yds sprint at the Kilkenny schools sports in 1952. I arrived in St. Josephs School for the Blind in 1954. Sport was hardly catered for there, at that time, despite there being many fine athletes. Sadly it all came too late for a lot of them. I was the lucky one. Best wishes to IBS on this special day. 

 BERNIE and the late JOE WALSH – 2010 joint recipients of National Award for Volunteers in Sport…

We first got involved with sport for the visually impaired in the early ‘70s when our son Tom was attending St. Joseph’s. We helped out with the school sports in those days. When our daughter Catherine showed an interest in athletics our May Games began.  Catherine has since represented Ireland at both athletics and tandem cycling at 5 Paralympics. As for ourselves, we really love being part of the May Games where we have been organisers and officials since the late ‘80s. 

JACQUI FULLAM – first Secretary of Irish BlindSports, former Sports and Social Club Secretary…

I remember in the late ‘80’s we had an equestrian competition at the May Games. They said my pony was quiet, placid, just like me! How wrong they were. Without warning he took off like the hammers of hell over jumps twice his size. Just as he dumped me over the finish line I heard the bell ring for our official start! The pony refused to go, so did I! Never again! 

JIM HARDING – IBS Tenpin bowling co-ordinator… 

 Over the years a number of friendships have been formed at the popular bowling sessions at the May Games. There have even been visits to other areas for further competition. Bowlers from Ireland have visited Glasgow and the Glasgow club has played in Ireland. Bowlers from Ireland have also gone to Prague and Malmo Sweden in the last few years to compete. Another event will be held in Basingstoke in September. There are stories of competitions in Bristol and Bath in England. And, it all started at the May Games…

MICHAEL LAVIN – Founding member and organiser of National League of the Blind Walking Group…2026 update: Michael is very active and involved in music, drama and so much more.

Not being very actively involved in sport, I don’t have many May Games memories but I do have a related anecdote concerning Pat Kelly. In the late ‘70s Pat worked as a darkroom technician out in Finglas. Pat and a group of lads with poor vision, used go up to St. Joseph’s School in Drumcondra to practise on their running track. This training usually occurred in the late evening and the lads had difficulty seeing, and staying, on the track. Pat got a brainwave! In his job they had hundreds of photographs which were being discarded. Pat took these and laid them down with the white side upwards and formed a white line along the length of the track. No excuse now for not towing the line. Ingenious wasn’t it?

ANN LYSTER – May Games organiser 1989-2004, IBS administrator over three decades…

Back in in1988 I participated in my first May Games in the hope of qualifying for the Seoul Paralympics later that year. To this day the furthest I ever got was competing in Lancaster and Manchester and while I may still hold the Irish Record for the Ladies B3 3000m I was never fast enough to represent my country at European, World or Paralympic Championship level. My heart found its home in the sport of administration from the very first IBS founding meeting back in November 1988. I have returned to Irish BlindSports after a break rearing my two girls through their early years.

TERRY CARTIN – former international swimmer; former Sports & Social Club administrator…

The early May Games bring back great, happy memories. In ’85 I was elected Chairman of the old Sports and Social Club of the League, just days before the May Games weekend. I remember on the Friday night we had a pre-Games gathering in the League and the place was hopping. By Saturday, with close on 100 overseas visitors the Revenue Club was packed to the rafters. By Sunday night in Bowe’s of Fleet St it was standing room only. Great days, indeed, but most peculiar mama!

MICHAEL CLARKE – European Marathon bronze medallist; current IBS administrator (former Chairman)…

 I have many, many great memories of May Games over the years and an organiser, spectator and competitor. I suppose I will never forget the late John Davis convincing me I could break the Irish 1000M record. It was Santry, probably 1995, and with John Davis calling the shots and keeping me in control I achieved 34 minutes, 34 seconds, a personal best and new Irish Record.

The late MICHAEL MEANEY – former international athlete and international chess player…

Our overnight accommodation for those first Games was at Dublin’s Northstar Hotel.  Eileen, my wife, and I booked a room for 2 but, by the early hours, we had about 16 guests. The cards came out and the whiskey flowed at a staggering 15 punts per bottle. The Hotel Manager came upon us and said we were noisier than the trains at the nearby Connolly Station. By morning all 16 rolled down to breakfast, each and every one declaring Room 311, my room, as theirs! Oh, what a night!

The post Only Yesterday – early May Games appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Hello!

Bobbie Hickey, content creator and influencer, discusses challenges faced by blind/vision impaired people in social situations; Veronica Coffey takes us on a group stroll on the Maynooth Greenway while Clare McLaughlin takes us behind the “Seen Unseen” art project.

Out of Sight with Joe G publishes at 0730 on Thursday 9th April. It will be available on all good podcast platforms.

Hello Bobbie

27 years old Bobbie Hickey has undergone more than 200 eye procedures as she journeyed through the phases of sight loss. As a student, and long cane user, she encountered periods of the sound of social silence. But, when she became a guide dog owner everyone wanted to say “hello”. Bobbie’s take on making connections is fascinating and a “must listen”.

Hello Veronica

Over 40 years ago Michael and Theresa Lavin, with the National League of the Blind of Ireland, led the way in east coast group walks. COVID could have put an end to it all but in stepped Veronica Coffey. We joined her for a walk on the wild side from Confey to Maynooth.

Hello Clare

“Seen Unseen” in an art project which can be heard, not unheard, as we chat with artist Clare McLaughlin. Concentrating on tactile, touch and audio Clare developed the concept in 2014. The project works for all but is particularly suited to blind/vision impaired people.

Hello, Goodbye

In our final item, Out of Sight News, Jade and Joe highlight Vision Sports MayFest, Six Nations audio description and the blind marathon runner who will be guideless. Grainne’s wellbeing tip is all about kindness.  

Contacts and links

• Maynooth Greenway Walk: Veronica Coffey email vcoffey2016@gmail.com. Phone 087 6201836
• “Seen, Unseen”: Clare McLaughlin email claremclaughlinemail@gmail.com phone 086 3091653
• MayFest Registration: Vision Sports Ireland https://visionsports.ie/mayfest/
• Irish Blind Golf: https://irishblindgolf.ie/
• Audion Description Six Nations Rugby feedback: email Ian.mckinley@visionsports.ie
• Dundalk Walk: Call Pat Kelly 087 7708200 / Maureen Madden 085 2656972
• Paracycling Come and Try: Cycling Ireland on socials / phone 0 18551522
• Coffee Morning: Fighting Blindness, email research@fightingblindness.ie

Credits

• Host: Joe Geraghty.
• Guests: Bobbie Hickey, Bob Auerbach, Veronica Coffey, Michael Mooney and Clare McLaughlin
• News: Jade McCormack, Grainne Geraghty
• Art: Katie Geraghty
• Music: Stuart Lawler and Jade McCormack
• Editor: Grainne Geraghty

Email: outofsightwithjoeg@outlook.ie

The post Bobbie Hickey features in latest episode of Out of Sight with Joe G appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Books, Bikes, Botanics and Briefs

Show Notes

Books, Bikes, Botanics and Briefs

Lina Kouzi, librarian at Vision Ireland, reads us into accessible digital; Tandem stoker Paul Joyce loses us on the Mullingar greenway; Áine Stanley leads us down the garden path to her allotment while Ireland’s greatest cyclist leads us on the trip to Tipp. Here’s you link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-sight-with-joe-g/id1873593436

Books

Most books loaned out by Irish librarians are in print format. In contrast, most books loaned by Linz Kouzi of Vision Ireland (VI) are digital. Lina, Head of Library Access Services at VI reads us into the many formats now available. Book your read through your smart speaker, tablet, phone or computer. There’s fonts of every shape, colour and size while Braille is still at your fingertips.

Bikes

The tandem, the bicycle made for two, is very popular with blind/vi people. Paul Joyce, from the Galway Activity Club, is a vision impaired tandem stoker. He chats about cycling weekends in Galway and beyond.

Botanics

I beg your pardon, Áine Stanley never promised us a rose garden, but she does promise us a fruitful allotment. Áine, the Health Promotions and Physical Activity Practitioner at Vision Sports Ireland, digs into the early gardening season.   

Briefs

Jade McCormack has an EXCLUSIVE on which superstar will lead the Trip to Tipp on 27 June. She also has info on arts, golf, football and mindfulness before she walks away to the Maynooth Greenway.

Contacts and links

• “Out of Sight! Stories of Ireland’s Blind and Vision Impaired Sportspeople” book written by Joe Geraghty. Published by Martello Press it is available in all accessible formats www.outofsight.ie
• Vision Ireland Library: Lina Kouzi email  Library@vi.ie, phone 01 8642266.
• Galway Activity Group for Visually Impaired People: Paul Joyce, pauljoycepx@gmail.com, phone 087 6396995.
• Trip to Tipp: Billy Shanahan email billshan1954@gmail.com, phone 087 9253225
• Maynooth Greenway Walk: Veronica Coffey email vcoffey2016@gmail.com. Phone 087 6201836
• Seen, Unseen: Clare McLaughlin email claremclaughlinemail@gmail.com phone 086 3091653
• Vision Sports Portlaoise Hub golf: email sean.poland@visionsports.ie Phone 086 0129928
• VI Football (Laois and midlands): phone Ger 086 0717301

Credits

• Host: Joe Geraghty.
• Guests: Lina Kouzi, Paul Joyce, Grainne Geraghty, Áine Stanley.
• News: Jade McCormack
• Art: Katie Geraghty
• Music: Stuart Lawler and Jade McCormack
• Editor: Grainne Geraghty

Email: outofsightwithjoeg@outlook.ie

The post Episode 4: Books, Bikes, Botanics and Briefs, Out 26 March appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Let’s dance with the fastest vision impaired athlete on the planet Jason Smyth MBE. We dance off too with Carol Carr and Jessica Kennedy in this Dancing with the Stars special.

Get up, stand up

Jason Smyth is the undefeated champion of both Paralympic sport and Dancing with the Stars.

Chatting with host Joe G Jason discusses how he moved from Greece lighting to grease paint. He discusses ways to create greater awareness and understanding of blindness. You’ll be up off your seat as Jason challenges you to find comfort while seated in any uncomfortable zone.

Feet of the Dancer

While born to run teenager Carol Carr developed much of her athletic abilities from learning the dance movements of Saturday Night Fever. She later become Ireland’s first blind Paralympic athlete to win gold. While boarding at St. Mary’s School for Blind Girls in Dublin Carol attended structured dance classes across a variety of genres. Between the jigs and reels Carol recalls some wonderful memories.

The Last Waltz

When Jessica Kennedy heard that her idol Jason Smyth was to be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars she popped him an email. She explained she had Stargardts eye condition, same as Jason, and that she was a dance instructor. To her surprise Jason promptly replied and invited her on to the rehearsal set and to the LIVE show.   

Out of Sight News

Grainne Geraghty presents the latest news on a new accessible fitness apps. She also brings us from parachutes to Paralympics.

• “Out of Sight! Stories of Ireland’s Blind and Vision Impaired Sportspeople” book written by Joe Geraghty. Published by Martello Press it is available in all accessible formats www.outofsight.ie
• Visionaries Choir: email fxjkelly@gmail.com
• Sekond Skin: web www.sekondskinsociety.com

Credits

Contacts and links

• Host: Joe Geraghty.
• Guests: Jason Smyth MBE, Carol Carr and Jessica Connolly.
• News: Grainne Geraghty
• Art: Katie Geraghty
• Music: Stuart Lawler and Jade McCormack
• Editor: Grainne Geraghty

Email: outofsightwithjoeg@outlook.ie

Blog: www.outofsight.ie/blog

The post Out of Sight podcast preview Thursday, 12 March – on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Libsyn and more appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

In the first full episode of “Out of Sight with Joe G” host Joe Geraghty welcomes us onboard and introduces the featured guest, Áine Stanley. Áine is Health Promotion & Physical Activity Practitioner at Vision Sports Ireland.

Can’t See, can be!

New ideas on how we wish we to spend leisure time quite often float like butterflies and then flutter into the night, Áine Stanley, with two decades of experience in the field, helps us to identify and develop our best ideas. She advises us to consider our overall wellbeing and how to recognise our achievements. Áine shares practical tips to motivate us to get active and embrace new activities.

Out of Sight Insights: Chess

This episode’s “Out of Sight Insights” explores chess, focusing on the current interest in the game. The segment, an extract from Joe’s successful book “Out of Sight! Stories of Ireland’s Blind and Vision Impaired Sportspeople”, explains Braille Chess. We’re taken on a journey through its early history, highlighting how this accessible version of chess can be enjoyed by everyone. Remember, you must check mate!

Whistling in the Dark

Michael Lavin, a living legend within Ireland’s blind and vision impaired community, shares his experiences with the tin whistle. The instrument is affordable, portable and easy to learn. Michael recommends where and how you can pick up and whistle in the dark, the park or for a lark.  

Out of Sight News

Jade McCormack presents the latest news, including updates on walking weekends, the multi-sport MayFest, VI Rugby, and developments in audible TV sports commentary. Listen to the latest episode here https://a97c8f0c-4b58-490a-8326-9c34b0ea0432.libsyn.com/start-me-up

Credits

• Host: Joe Geraghty
• Guests: Áine Stanley and Michael Lavin
• News: Jade McCormack
• Artwork: Katie Geraghty
• Music: Stuart Lawler and Jade McCormack
• Editor: Grainne Geraghty

The post Whats on – Episode 2 Podcast Out of Sight with Joe G appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Life after the Launch

A year and a half later Joe returns with an update from Paris to Tokyo; from Presidency to podcasting!

Out of Sight! is published by Martello Publishing, and is available in all accessible formats: print, adapted print, braille and audio. Check out www.outofsight.ie.

Out of Sight with Joe G is a new podcast available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you listen to your favourites. Listen and see https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-sight-with-joe-g/id1873593436

From Paralympics to podcasting

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

18 months since Out of Sight! hit the bookshelves I still need to pinch myself and wonder did this all really happen?

Years may come, years may go but this one had it all.

As I was being interviewed by Pat Kenny on Newstalk and Tommie Bowe and Brooke Scullion on Virgin TV Katie George Dunlevy was cycling into golden history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Katie had given me my poshest interview two years earlier as we sat sipping coffee at Dublin’s exclusive Merrion Hotel. Now with tandem pilot Linda Kelly they recently returned from Belgium where they won double gold at the World Road Championships.

Swimmer Róisín Ní Riain was making more medal history in Paris as well as, more recently, in Hong Kong. I was intermediary on Roisin’s initial sight classification in autumn 2019 so I was well aware a star was born. She was my last “Out of Sight!” interviewee and was hard to get as she is forever in the pool.

In the “Out of Sight!” chapter called Girls’ Talk I profiled track athletes Greta Streimekyte and Orla Comerford. Orla bronze medalled at the Paris Paralympiad.  A year later in New Delhi she won World double world gold while her friend  Greta also became golden girl.

“Out of Sight!” might never have featured on Pat Kenny and the Ray Darcy show were it not for former RTE Head of Radio Sport Ian Corr. Two years ago I sat engrossed in conversation with Ian in his cosy Churchtown home. Sadly, Ian passed away after a short illness on 18 April 2025. May Ian rest in peace.

While wrapping up “Out of Sight!” in April last year I received a call from Barry Ennis, Chair of Vision Sports Ireland. “Joe,” says he, “the Board of Vision Sports Ireland wish you to become our next President”. I’d say for the first time ever Barry heard my prolonged sound of silence! Shock is the only way to shut me up!

Of course I accepted. Now I could be a voice for all who gave blood, sweat and tears to make Vision Sports what it is today.

The Vision Sports role is honorary and non-executive. I sit in the passenger seat and celebrate the superb team led by Aaron Mullaniff and managed by Pádraig Healy. I’m in awe of their work and all credit goes to Kristina Millar, Sara McFadden  Sean Poland, Sean Moyles, Aine Stanley and Rosie Keogh.

Just like my Presidential pre-decacorns Liam Nolan, Fred Cogley, Colm Murray and Prof. Michael O’Keeffe my goal is to continue building awareness and understanding of the many sports and leisure options available to blind and vision impaired people.

My first official engagement as President was to visit the Park! Ah, but I skipped by Aras an Uachtaráin and popped into Farmleigh House to welcome home our heroic Paris Paralympians. Weeks earlier my last non-President role was to officially present, with my great friend Pat Kelly, the going away kit to each and every Paralympian at the Great Hall in the RDS. Bon voyage, Bienvenue!

Away from the glamour I traversed the country physically and virtually knocking on the doors of regional and local radio stations and newspapers. Podcasters, social media influencers and web editors came my was too.

I loved doing the conference circuit, almost always among friends in the disability sector. So many warm hugs and kind wishes.

I have no independent factual basis for believing one in five people heard about “Out of Sight!” but my stats tell me it’s true!  I loved the reactions from across the country. Nobody’s going to tell you your book makes good toilet paper but I was told it was the perfect bathroom read! It was lovely to receive calls and messages relating to how readers had found the book in their local bookshop, library, kindle or online.

After phenomenal work ChildVision published the Braille edition. Meanwhile, the Vision Ireland library recorded the studio audio version and distributed through Bookshare Ireland. The UK based RNIB picked up and sought permission to publish. Why not?

At Vision Sports Zero Limits in Mondello last July the guy in front of me in the lunch queue told me how he signed up to attend after reading “Out of Sight!”. I introduced myself and it quickly became clear he knew the book maybe better than myself. That’s the writer’s reward.

Some chancers have asked me if the book made me rich? You’re more likely to find an author in Stubbs Gazette, with tax defaulters, than on the Irish Times Rich List! Most sports book writers break even or lose while just the super stars end up in the black. I’m proud to say I’ll break even thanks to the advance sponsorship of Vision Ireland Foundation, the Granville Hotel and Kildare Co. Council.

Several high profilers praised or endorsed “Out of Sigh” including Pat Kenny, Eamonn Coghlan, Katie-George Dunlevy, Ray Darcy, Damien Tiernan, Declan Meehan and  Jason Smyth. There were many reviews out there too. I was thrilled with the syndicated review across many or Ireland’s regional newspapers written by the genial Anne Cunningham. According to Anne “Out of Sight!” is  ” a pure tonic…ever hear of Braille Chess? I hadn’t. Ever hear of a blind driver? They rip it up regularly at Mondello, using dual-drive cars. These people really don’t recognise boundaries and those people who assist them in reaching their seemingly impossible goals are solid gold. There’s plenty of ‘uplit’ fiction out there, but it’s truly heartening to read the ‘uplit’ facts in this book!”

After the book the film? Not quite, No calls from Netflix, Apple or Disney Plus. Sky did ring but that was a broadband upgrade!

And so I’m having a go at podcasting. Out of Sight with Joe G launched its trailer on 4 February 2025. It’s all about sharing hobbies and pastimes in a world of health and wellbeing. Get an earful of this https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-sight-with-joe-g/id1873593436

In 2025 Grainne and I become grandparents to Henry, son of our eldest daughter Claire and husband Eoin. We also had the big summer wedding as our baby daughter Katie married Graham.

The book now goes on the shelf as I pass time pondering podcasting pastimes.

Listen and see. https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-sight-with-joe-g/id1873593436

The post From Paralympics to Podcasts appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Listen now to a new and exciting podcast teaser promoting health, hobbies, wellbeing and total fun. An Ideal listen for all who welcome living your best life it’s accessible and geared to those with blindness/vision impairment as well as families, friends and anyone who hangs out. Find it on all your favourite podcast platforms – Apple, Spotify, Libsysn – get an earful of this: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/out-of-sight-with-joe-g/id1873593436

“I loved chatting with 60 blind and vision impaired people, their families and friends for my book ‘Out of Sight!’ “, says host Joe Geraghty “Once it went to print I felt sad as I could have interviewed 600 more.

“The podcast gave me the chance to get back out and muck in with so many more great people. Unlike the book we can now go beyond sport and dig right into hobbies, some familiar, some rare. We’ll cover health and fitness and no doubt we’ll be sporty too. Where accessibility adaptations are required, we’ll cover these too.”

In the trailer teaser Stuart Lawler, well known voice to blind and vision impaired people in Ireland introduces Joe Geraghty, host of podcast Out of Sight with Joe G.

He chats with Joe about the reasons for doing the podcast.

He plays a montage of future guests including Jason Smyth, Jessica Kennedy, Michael Lavin and Bobie Hickey.

Stuart introduces Jade McCormack, the regular news reader.

He also chats with Grainne Geraghty who will edit and produce the podcast on a fortnightly basis.

Stuart also put Joe on the spot for fitness advice.

Watch out for the full episodes of “Out of Sight with Joe G” on 26 February on all your favourite podcast sites.

Talk to Joe 0831922891 or email outofsightwithjoeg@outlook.ie

The post “Out of Sight with Joe G” podcast trailer OUT NOW! appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Get back to where you once belonged. Our century of change.

Jimmy, Paddy, and Johnny kick off a game of football on their local village green. School’s
out as the brothers enjoy a few weeks away from lockup in St Joseph’s School for Blind Boys
(JoJo’s), which they called ‘The Drum’ because of its Drumcondra, Dublin location.

It’s 1930s Ireland, and the midlands townspeople of Kilbeggan go shopping or to church.
Some may clock in for work at the nearby whiskey distillery, while others may prefer to have
it ‘distilled’ to them at the local pub.

The footballing siblings – all have hereditary eye conditions with resulting partial sight – are
having fun.

Two local gardaí pedal up and shout at the boys, ‘Go home, you’re not allowed out! If yis
don’t go home, we’ll send you back to your asylum in Dublin!’
Game over.

Fifty years later, the middle sibling, Paddy, was in Long Island, New York, where he saw his
son – that’s me – walk with the Irish team at the Opening Ceremony of the VII Paralympic
Games. On 19 June 1984, 9,000 members of the NYPD and US security services were on
hand as President Ronald Reagan welcomed the 3,000-plus participants.

No chance Paddy could be sent back to the asylum now. He was treated like a king by the
NYPD, who ensured he was well fed and watered.

Paddy, his siblings and his contemporaries came a long way in half a century: from not being
allowed to play sports in the open to their offspring competing on the world stage.

Extract 2: River deep mountain high

Paula Dorrington (Dublin) and Gus Dorrington (Dublin). Including athletics, mountain
climbing and skiing.

‘I’m still alive because of sport,’ Paula Dorrington tells me three times during my lunchtime
visit to her home. ‘I’ve been a diabetic since I was 9, which resulted in me losing my
eyesight. At 23, I became epileptic.’

Paula recalls finding sport – and love – at her new job at Blindcraft in the early 80s. Irish
Blindcraft, closed now for two decades, was the state agency that provided employment for
b/vi people in skills such as basketry.

Paula says, ‘One of the girls told me about Gus, who was working facing me all the time. He
was a runner, she said, who trained with a gang of b/vi athletes each Saturday. A few weeks
later, Gus asked me to join him at a session. I agreed but didn’t think I was going to run, as I
was diabetic and overweight. After a few exercises, I was wrecked, but coach Tony Guest
kept with me. When it was over, Tony asked me back the following week, and I thought, no
chance!

‘Then I checked my glucose meter, and I couldn’t believe it – my blood sugar had gone down
quite a bit.

‘Back at work on Monday, Gus asked if I enjoyed the Saturday session. I told him I loved it!
Gus offered to take me running midweek. He ran the eight-mile round trip across Dublin to
my home and back. We used a string to link us.’

Paula and Gus were soon tethered together in every sense and tied the knot in matrimony in
1997.

The post Extracts appeared first on Out Of Sight!.