Thank you for signing the petition requesting RTÉ to provide 2026 FIFA World Cup Audio Description to aid blind/vision impaired people better experience the big games.

As you can see from below RTE has indicated it “does not currently have the resources to deliver Audio Descriptive Commentary for matches in this World Cup”.

3,000 people signed the petition. They cannot, and will not, be ignored. While very disappointing to us, the awareness this campaign has raised will catapult Audio Description to new levels. This allows us to further liaise and advocate with RTÉ.

The petition – see https://outofsight.ie/rte-no-world-cup-audio-description/ – will now close.

Please see below the correspondence between the campaign leaders – David Redmond, Bobbie Hickey and Joe Geraghty – and RTÉ.

On 17 June to RTÉ.

You’re aware many blind and vision impaired viewers are disappointed with no FIFA World Cup audio description. For many the idea of sitting with family and friends enjoying RTE prime time coverage of stars like Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo is not an option. Headphones and international internet AD are the poor order of the day.

Last week my colleagues David Redmond (content producer, podcaster), Bobbie Hickey (Events, PR Manager and disability advocate) and myself (former Paralympian, author and podcaster) led a petition calling on RTÉ to rethink its audio description strategy.

• Close to 3,000 people have signed the petition
• 68.3 thousand people have viewed my own – Out of Sight with Joe G – TikTok video on the matter, of whom
• 11,7 thousand have liked the video.

When  RTÉ do AD you do it well. The reaction and success of this petition indicate AD is in big demand, and extra resources may be required. 

In terms of this World Cup, you are not the only broadcaster weak or remiss on AD. You now have the opportunity to be a world leader in this space. Perhaps, start with some later prime time big games? 

David, Bobbie and I would welcome a meeting with you to discuss and progress. 

On 24 June from RTÉ

I hope you are well and enjoying the lovely weather.

Many thanks for your email, and for taking the time to write to us.

We are currently reviewing and will come back to you shortly with RTÉ’s position.

On 25 June from RTÉ

RTÉ is committed to providing content accessible to our whole audience to the best of our abilities and where possible. As you will be aware, significant resources are devoted to this and the commitment and effort demonstrated by those working in this area in the organisation is second to none.

We also value and take seriously all feedback and engagement from our audience members, as is the case regarding your correspondence. 

We are also responsive to such feedback, and part of being responsive is – at times – setting out clearly the limitations we face in delivering content with additional accessibility measures, such as in this case.

RTÉ is extremely proud of what we have been able to deliver in Audio Description to date, which is reflected in the feedback we have received, and your comment in that regard is appreciated.

In 2025, RTÉ exceeded its regulatory target on Audio Description, achieving more than 1,350 hours of AD content between 07:00 and 01:00, with even more available overnight and On-Demand. As part of RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, the Late Late Toy Show had live AD for the first time, in addition to live ISL and live subtitles. 

Significant resources and efforts have of course been required, including the appropriate training needed for particular types of content. This would particularly be the case in deploying Audio Descriptive Commentary across this World Cup and the volume of content it involves.

It is not the case that additional resources may be required; to be clear, it would be a significant undertaking. The technical and operational challenges alone, in providing Audio Descriptive Commentary on content which is not owned or supplied by RTÉ, are highly complex. The additional staffing and expertise required would be significant, as would the necessary training. All of this, of course, comes with associated costs.

RTÉ must make decisions on resource-allocation on a constant basis, many of which are difficult decisions. RTÉ does not currently have the resources to deliver Audio Descriptive Commentary for matches in this World Cup. RTÉ notes the availability of ADC via the FIFA Audio Description App, though your feedback on this service is of course acknowledged.

For the reasons set out above, a decision to provide ADC for one match or a small number of matches unfortunately would not result in a proportionate reduction in the resources required such that it would become achievable. With respect, RTÉ rejects the characterisation of this as being ‘weak or remiss’. 

RTÉ remains committed to providing content that is accessible to our whole audience, and appreciates feedback and engagement in this regard.

29 June to RTÉ

Firstly, thank you for the response you provided to us, and for providing similar to Newstalk when they reached out. We are genuinely appreciative of your transparency, as that makes dialogue on this much easier.

While I think you’ll be able to understand we’re a bit disappointed, we understand the position.

From our side, we’ve said what needed saying, we’ve said it perhaps a bit louder than some may have liked. We hope however that our petition and media coverage shows the broad support for more AD in more ways. The question now is how we make that happen while being mindful of the constraints you reference.

This has never been about taking a dig at RTÉ. You’ve got a world-class team that we respect greatly, and we hope that was never lost in translation. When we see leaps forward in access, you can trust we’ll be the first to give credit, as we did re the Toy Show, The Traitors, and the ISL FAST channel.

We have a shared aim that I believe we all care about, and we’ll do what we can to move that forward, as we’re sure you will too.

We’re closing off the petition and so on for now, and we’ll let you guys keep up the good fight internally.

If logistics and costs are significant barriers in the area of access to sports specifically, then it’s worth giving serious consideration to Bobbie’s point regarding integrated description from the access meeting. Partnerships and AD sponsorship are also worth looking at, and RTÉ could absolutely lead the way in doing that responsibly.

RTÉ is never going to be the BBC or Netflix, but if we think about access in different ways, we can absolutely rival those bigger broadcasters.

We’re passionate about the work you do and are happy to help if we can, so please don’t be strangers.

 

The post Thank you for signing the peition to request RTE to provide World Cup Audio Description appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

Picture this. Your sight isn’t good and you sit down to watch an RTE World Cup match. During the first 5 minutes alone the commentator and his colleague will tell you how both countries got to the World Cu and relate stories of some of the main players. Somehwere they’ll mention the first corner. But, you’re sitting there wondering when did the ref blow the starting whistle; where is the ball?  Who is playing left to right and what colours are they wearing; oh, there’s a corner but for which team? Don’t believe me, put on a blindfold and I’ll guarantee you what’s happening on the pitch will be a mystery.  Now RTE commentatiors are excellent but they are not briefed to provide AD for the 1 in 20 who can’t see what’s happening on the pitch and in the stadium.

When RTE do AD they are excellent at it. Witness the ceremonies for Paris 24m tip drama and entertainment.

In the spring of this year Ian McKinely and Stuart McAvoy gave us a masterclass in AD during their Six Nations commentary on Virgin Media. If Virgin can do, surely you can do it on RTE TV?

It’s not too late RTE you can do it. Make the World Cup accessible to all.

Please sign the petition below and show your support for our movement towards a more modern, smooth audio described media landscape in Ireland.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhrPa9zl5njPRrG6C7XOq5E9wJpmICXclNHLmFFrL0JzrPLg/viewform

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There should be one hell of a show on up in heaven right now as our sadly departed friends of yesteryear just might get together for their own May Games/MayFest.

Let’s remember our friends who are no longer with us, but who made the May Games / MayFest the success they are. Let’s remember all including:

Patricia Brennan: Long-time “League” Sports Committee member, and keen MayFest walker.

Willie Britten: Early days May Games attendee and “League” Sports Committee member.

Barney Brown: Treasurer of the “League’s” Sports and Social Club for its entire exitance.

Colette Brown: Ever present at early May Games as organiser and participant.

Shane Clyne: Despite terminal illness Shane helped us with the 2015 MayFest.

Fred Cogley: Vision Sports Ireland President 2004-2010, regular May Games supporter.

Ian Corr: While producer of Saturday and Sunday Sport on RTE Radio promoted May Games, blind golfer in later life.

John Davis: Much loved coach who gave his heart to athletics, not least VI athletics.

Michael Delaney: multi-talented athlete, cyclist and chess player, 3-time Paralympian, Euro sprint bronze medallist.

Toni Egan: Regular attendee at early Games, went on to become Chair of Leauge.

Gerry Ellis: friend and supporter of May Games over many years.

Hilary Doonan: Long standing Secretary and guide lead, Cork Walking Club.

Lyla Faulkner: popular participant in early May Games.

Brendan Foreman: Synonymous with the May Games. Secretary of both BLE and Olympic Council.

Jimmy Gallagher: Multi talented, participated and organised many May Games.

John Greene: Chair of the “League’s” Sports and Social Club of the during its golden years.

Eamonn Harvey: May Games official, supporter, coach and Paralympics Team Manager.

Eddie Hogan: Legendry Irish middle-distance coach officiated at all early May Games.

Martin Kane: Core May Games supporter from day 1.

Anne Kelly (nee McKay): Her letter to RTE started organised sport for VI here

Mick Kelly: No. 1 supporter of our golden ‘80s team.

Andy Kalavazides (aka Zonks): one of our first overseas visitors, Andy led out football, pool, and field events.

Eddie Lynch: Our first “May Games Personality of the Year”.

Eamonn Madden: Travelled and entertained our first international team, ever present at May Games.

Colm Murray: President of Vision Sports Ireland 2010-2013, synonymous with our Paralympics teams.

Jimmy Murray: First Irish Blind Sports Chair, Jimmy moved from track and field to founding Blind Golf here.

John Newman: Popular early May Games participant, fundraiser and marathon man.  

John Nolan (Dublin): popular attendee at early May Games

John Nolan (Cork): Our Company founder and first Company Chair.

Prof Mihael O’Keeffe: President of Vision Sports 2015-2023, celebrated for his MayFest lunchtime invited celebrity guests’ spots.

Rita Rodgers: Key organiser of early May Games as Secretary of the “League’s” Sports and Social Club.

Joe Walsh: the lead official core to the development of May Games for four decades.

Joanne Wylde: brought GAA to MayFest with her Cuala team in 2018

The post MayFest Heaven appeared first on Out Of Sight!.

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!

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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).

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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

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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

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