It was an absolute joy to have Damian Gorman in the studio for a conversation.... and in this case an unforgettable conversation that impacted profoundly on me personally and must surely have impacted on all our listeners. 

Damian, a renowned poet, writer and story-teller, is dad to Jack and Molly and the partner of the beautiful Greta McTague, drama teacher and actor.  His cv is loaded with awards, stage plays, teaching and facilitating writing groups, writer in residence and much more....
In this conversation Damian Gorman allows the listener to discover more about the true thoughts and feelings of this truly gracious and inspirational man.

I asked Damian to help us understand the meaning of his self reflection...
‘By instinct I don’t make any difference between people; I’m part of this and it matters to me’.                                                                                                            

On the back of Damian's book ‘As if I cared’ which was published in 2020 - an open and honest insight into his life told through poems and stories – there is a quote by Adrienne Rich, American poet and writer.....
 ‘without tenderness, we are in hell’ 
I was interested to hear what the powerful quote meant to Damian in his life and he was happy to share his thoughts, openly and honestly.  

Two inspirational women in conversation, Sharon and Bridie, from the mental health charity, AWARE, based in the north of Ireland.  AWARE supports those with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
 
Sharon and Bridie came into the Drive Studio to talk about their work and  aspects of their own personal life journeys. 

AWARE has 30 + employees:  Sharon is involved in Education and Training  - offering mental health and well-being programmes to communities, schools etc.  Bridie is a member of the busy Fundraising team.  

In this interesting conversation, we learn about their work roles, their achievements, hopes and aspirations.     

It was an honour and privilege to have Geraldine Mullan on the programme at Drive 105.  Geraldine grew up in Galway.  She is an acute oncology haematology nurse specialist at Letterkenny hospital, Co Donegal.                     

As you listen to the conversation, you will hear Geraldine describe how her life  ‘changed in an instant’  when she suffered the insurmountable loss of her beloved husband John, 49 and her beloved children, Tomas 14 and Amelia 6.

She lives life sometimes moment by moment, hour by hour or day by day.  

This is a deeply moving, heartfelt conversation with a lady I draw inspiration from in my own life. 

                                                                                                               

I am delighted to introduce the brilliant Terry Wright: Husband to Margo and father of 4 children; Kerry-Ann, Gary, Kirsty, Kristopher.  Terry is a retired teacher of English and history. 

He was born into the Salvation Army [SA].  The SA addresses hardship, poverty and injustices.   In later years, Terry spent some time working with SA in New York.  In this conversation he describes working in a drug therapy unit in Greenwich Village; Summer camps in Star Lake, NJ. Welfare camp for young underprivileged kids.   

Terry aspires to a peaceful, reconciled society.  Employment for all and a move away from labelling and identity. 

This is a deeply sensitive, heartfelt conversation that moved me to tears.                             

Felix Healy, needs little introduction to the listening audience of Drive 105…. 

Felix is a legend and much admired in the Community and well beyond … with an 

illustrious career in football under his belt [including playing for NI in World Cup in 

Spain],   he is a celebrity on the music scene in Ireland and of course a popular 

presenter on Drive 105.  This is a story not to be missed….. 

Michael Doherty is the man who taught Richard Moore [Director of Drive 105] to play guitar; 
Michael is well-known in Derry City, Northern Ireland - he is a husband, father, grandfather, and a fine musician and singer!
Michael has lived in Derry all his life.  He said there was no chance of ever leaving!  
He is married to Rosemary, a Derry woman. 
Michael is very proud of his daughters are Donna, Lisa and Paula, and his beloved grandchildren -  Lauren, Georgia, Jamie, Clara, Jack and Olivia.  
You will hear Michael speak honestly about his life and times.  
After many years as a barber, he went back to education as a mature student to get the qualification to do what I wanted to do.  He spent many fruitful years in the field of mediation - not an easy role in the years of the Troubles in NI.   
An interesting and 'busy' conversation - I learned a lot!. well worth a listen.   

Felicity McCall is mother to Aoife and grandmother to Rory.   She lives in Derry City, Northern Ireland.

Felicity was a Journalist with the BBC for 20 years during the conflict; now a freelance 

journalist, writer, actor, activist/union activist. More recently she was appointed to 

literary fellowship of Ulster University, Magee Campus. 

Felicity is the first female on Irish Executive; Co- founder, producer of three drama 

companies [Drama in Hand[young mums] /  Mystery Players / Brassneck Production].  

Long standing involvement with Studio 2 in Derry run by Ollie Green. 

Felicity openly shares personal aspects of her life journey that others will identify 

with.... it was a privilege to have her in the studio.  

Patricia Sullivan Corey is my sister in law, a mom, a nurse and wife to my beloved brother Brendan.   She is one of my heroes in this life.
Pat's life was changed in a heartbeat at the age of 28 and I often say to her 'Hand any of us what you have had to deal with and see how we would manage it!'

It was a privilege to have Patricia in the Drive Studio for a conversation.  

Listen in and you will be inspired.  

Chris Ferry, owner of the very successful Ferry Clever on Bishop St came into the studio..... a lively and interesting young man.....with a story to tell.... 
Ferry Clever is up and running for 2 years now in November.
Chris was born and raised in Derry in a family of 9 – mum dad, 4 brothers, 2 sisters.  He is married to Seanin for two years past in July.  
There is much to enjoy in this conversation and Phil Coulter also features in it!!