LISTEN BACK: Ireland's Classic Hits Radio Celebrates Diversity For 'One Day Many Voices'

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio joined 22 other independent radio stations across the country on Thursday September 24th for One Day, Many Voices.

The special day of broadcasting brought different voices and experiences to the airwaves, highlighting the diversity of communities across Ireland.

The national initiative, developed by Learning Waves, gave people the opportunity to share their experiences and tell their stories in their own words.

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio spoke to a number of people throughout the day, with interviews covering a range of experiences and perspectives.

You can listen back to the interviews below.

Eamonn Casey

Eamonn Casey joins us to talk about his mother Deirdre, who is living with dementia in her 70s.

He reflects on the changes he began to notice following the death of his father - from buying unusual food items she would never normally choose, to struggling with everyday tasks such as putting an outfit together.

He speaks openly about supporting his mother, the decision to move her into residential care, and the importance of recognizing when caring for someone cannot be done alone.

He completed 2 courses with the Alzheimers Society of Ireland that connected him to other dementia carers.

Lydia Smith

Lydia Smyth, Programme Coordinator with Doras Buí, a community-based resource supporting parents alone in Ireland.

Lydia looks back at the organisation's beginnings in 1980's Ireland, when being a single parent carried significant stigma and was often seen as outside the traditional idea of family.

While attitudes have changed, lone parents continue to face many challenges, including childcare, co-parenting after separation, financial pressures and housing insecurity.

Doras Buí supports a diverse range of families, including parents who, because of the housing crisis, may still be living under the same roof as an ex-partner. They also work with very young parents and those experiencing isolation who are looking for connection.

Cathal Cully and Rebecca Wilson

Cathal Cully and Rebecca Wilson join us to talk about Project SMSH - Different Minds, Same Heart - and their experience of creating a wedding that reflects who they are.

Cathal and Rebecca are both autistic, and Rebecca also has ADHD. As they plan their wedding, they are making thoughtful choices to create a more neuro-friendly celebration, including softer lighting, less music, quiet spaces and opportunities for guests to step away from the busier environment when needed.

For them, these adjustments are about inclusion and recognizing that accessibility can take many different forms. Just as physical accessibility can make a space more welcoming for someone with a physical disability, creating an environment that considers different sensory and communication needs can help neurodivergent people feel comfortable and included.

Cathal didn't speak at all until he was 5 years old and then made up his own language. Now he advocates for autism awareness and inclusivity. They would love for everyone to follow their project on social media.

One Day, Many Voices was about celebrating the differences within our communities while also encouraging conversations around identity, culture, accessibility, belonging and inclusion.

The day also highlighted some of the challenges and barriers faced by people across Ireland.

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio was proud to take part alongside independent stations around the country in a nationwide celebration of the role radio can play in bringing communities together and making sure people have the opportunity to be heard.

You can listen back to our One Day, Many Voices interviews above.