"One minute I'm running a marathon, the next I'm getting last rites" Ger Copeland

This week, we sit down with Sarah Grace , who bravely shares her harrowing journey of survival after experiencing a violent sexual assault by an intruder in her apartment in 2019. The perpetrator was a stranger. In this deeply moving episode, Sarah opens up about the night that changed her life, the aftermath of trauma, and her long road to healing. She speaks candidly about the impact on her mental health, the struggles with shame and fear, and the strength it took to seek justice and reclaim her life.Her story is one of unimaginable pain and hope. Prepare to feel pure rage of the humiliation and barbaric way victims have to navigate the old legal system to get justice. Sarah is sharing her truth not just for herself, but for anyone who has ever felt silenced, ashamed, or alone.Through her Instagram account @busywarrioryoga, she shares motivational content, tips on healing, and yoga tutorials.Buy Sarah's book >>>https://obrien.ie/sarah-grace If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, please reach out for support. You are not alone. Help is available:📞 Rape Crisis Centre 24/7 Helpline: 1800 77 88 88📞 Women's Aid: 1800 341 900📞 Samaritans (24/7 Support): 116 123Let’s break the silence, support survivors, and create a world where no one suffers in silence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💔 JENNIE'S LAW: A CALL FOR CHANGE 💔In April 2021, Jennifer Poole’s life was stolen by the very person she once trusted. A devoted mother, sister, and healthcare worker, Jennifer’s kindness touched everyone who knew her. But behind closed doors, she faced a hidden horror, one that cost her everything.Her killer had 13 previous convictions for violence, including domestic abuse. Yet Jennifer never knew.Now, her brother Jason Poole is fighting for Jennifer’s Law—a domestic violence register to protect women from repeat offenders, just like Clare’s Law in the UK.🔴 Why should victims be left in the dark?🔴 Why do abusers get to hide their past?🔴 How many more lives must be lost before we act?Jason kindly joined me on to share Jennifer’s story, his fight for justice, and how we can all help ensure no family endures this pain again.🎧 Listen now & stand with us in demanding change.💡 If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:📞 Women’s Aid: 1800 341 900 (24/7)📞 Men’s Aid Ireland: 01 554 3811📞 Safe Ireland: Find local services at www.safeireland.ie📞 Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111#JennifersLaw #JusticeForJennifer #EndDomesticViolence #ThePartingGlassPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ 📸 This week on The Parting Glass Podcast, we rolled out the red carpet for one of Ireland’s most iconic & legendary press photographers—Brian McEvoy from Goatstown! ✨For over 30 years, Brian has been capturing unforgettable moments, from red carpets to major PR events. 📷✨Following in his father’s footsteps, photography isn’t just his job—it’s a family legacy. 🧔🏻👦🏼In this episode: 🔑 How Brian got hooked on photography 🎞️📍 The story behind his big break 🚀👨‍👦 His hopes for a third generation of McEvoy photographers 📷🎥 Plus... why you might recognize him from TV! 👀Brian’s stories are as captivating as his photos—you don’t want to miss this one! 🎧🍀 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we meet Shauna Halpin, 27, from Ballymun, Dublin—a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) who fought a 10-year battle with mental health and crippling pain before finally getting diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).From admitting herself to Vincent’s Psychiatric Hospital, losing friends, her job, and her beloved GAA, to feeling like a shell of herself and contemplating suicide, Shauna has been through it all and faced dark times at such a young age. But today, after starting HRT just a few months ago, she is loving life and determined to raise awareness about this condition.She’s on a mission to push for more education in schools on PMDD so others don’t have to suffer in silence. Her story is raw, powerful, and truly inspiring. 💛Big thanks to Ray Corcoran from Sparks Will Fly Podcast who co-hosted the episode and introduced me to the amazing Shauna. Thanks to Tony @the Tortoise Shack for the cuppa and set up ...yupppListen now wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧 #ThePartingGlassPodcast #PMDDawareness #MentalHealthMatters #ListenNow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Jonathan- a gem of a fella like Nelson Mandela" - Damien Dempsey This week, we sit down with Jonathan Smith, the heart and soul behind Ernesto’s Café in Rathmines. More than just a coffee shop, Ernesto’s has become a beloved community hub, known for its warm atmosphere, great food, and strong sense of local connection.In this episode, Jonathan shares:☕ His journey from addiction to opening Ernesto’s💡 The Cuban inspiration behind the café and its unique vibe🌍 The challenges and triumphs of running a small business in Dublin🤝 How community have shaped his path & men's mental health group Blue Balls Ireland❤️ And the beautiful story of how he met the love of his life, CarolineJonathan’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power and uniqueness of the Dubshttps://www.blueballs.ie/meet-the-team🎧 Available now on https://open.spotify.com/show/0wRrDWuRCGqJP2yMjzCiBs?si=2a396dae60dd4807#ThePartingGlassPodcast #DublinStories #SupportLocal #CommunityMatters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronan O’Snodaigh – The Heartbeat of Irish MusicIn this episode of The Parting Glass Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Rónán Ó’Snodaigh, frontman of Kíla and one of Ireland’s most innovative and soulful musicians. Known for his poetic lyrics, mesmerizing percussion, and deep connection to Irish tradition, Ronan shares stories from his fascinating career and personal journey.We explore his roots in a family of artists, the evolution of Kíla’s genre-defying sound, and how Irish culture continues to inspire his work. Ronan opens up about his creative process, his passion for the Irish language, and the role music plays in connecting people across generations and borders.Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kíla or new to Ronan’s music, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through rhythm and words. Tune in for an intimate and inspiring conversation with one of Ireland’s most cherished cultural voices.Upcoming Gigs- https://kila.ie/shows/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, on The Parting Glass we’re joined by the indestructible Ger Copeland, a real-life Terminator whose story will blow your mind! 💪🤖In February 2024, Ger suffered a freak ski accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury so severe he was given the last rites. With only a 10% chance of survival, he was completely paralyzed and had to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat. Most would have given up – but not Ger. 🙌Fast forward a few months, and not only is he defying every limit placed on him, but he also completed the Dublin City Marathon! 🏃‍♂️🔥 Ger lives for a challenge and refuses to accept the impossible.💬 "I never asked why." - Ger CopelandDon’t miss this miraculous, jaw-dropping episode where Ger shares his journey of survival, recovery, and relentless determination. 🎧✨Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Ger's Life Before the Accident02:27 The Skiing Accident and Its Aftermath04:19 The Medical Emergency Unfolds10:28 The Diagnosis and Initial Struggles15:06 Facing the Reality of Brain Injury20:00 The Journey of Recovery and Rehabilitation26:14 The Journey of Recovery Begins29:16 Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Hope32:09 The Power of Positive Mindset34:39 Faith and Miracles in Recovery39:20 Defying Odds: Running the Dublin City Marathon46:56 Inspiration and Moving Forward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🔥The Parting Glass Podcast hit the road and landed in Ballymun to sit down with the one and only Ray Corcoran aka Sparky! 🙌 Former Sinn Féin councillor, youth worker with Poppintree Youth Project and a fellow podcaster, Sparky’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his community. 🌱🎶✨We chatted about his 40 years of empowering young people, and how nature and music have always been at the heart of his work. 🌍✊🎵 Plus, did you know Damien Dempsey wrote a song about him? Ray of Light, from Damien’s latest album, is a tribute to Sparky’s incredible impact. 🌟And it doesn’t stop there — Sparky’s making waves in the podcast world with his shows Sparks Will Fly and The Fresh Batch with pal Dean Scurry. 🎧🔥 So if you’re ready for real talk and big inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.👉 Hit play now! #Sparky #RayOfLight #ThePartingGlassPodcast #SparksWillFly #TheFreshBatch #Ballymun #YouthEmpowerment #DamienDempsey #FreePalestine #PodcastOnTheRoad#Dublin#poppintree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kicking off 2025 of The Parting Glass Podcast, I sit down with the hilarious and unstoppable comedian Emma Doran from Rathfarnham. Emma shares her journey from teen mom to stand-up star, the highs and lows of comedy, and the life lessons she's learned along the way. The conversation is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Emma talks about the unbreakable and unique bond she has with her daughter, why Dundrum Town Centre is a special place and Stephen Green Shopping Centre is strange !Check out tour dates for 2025 at https://www.emmadorancomedy.com/ Insta & TikTok @emmadorancomedian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Tutty shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation. Growing up as the only mixed-race child in his class in Blanchardstown, Lee struggled with his identity, which fuelled a long battle with cocaine addiction, Coming out in his twenties and becoming a father brought both challenges and joys, but his addiction spiralled so far out of control that he believed there was no way out but to take his own life. Today, Lee is 20 months sober and is dedicated to helping others find hope and recovery. Through guiding others in the 12-step program, he proves that there is life after addiction and that no matter how far you fall, change is always possible.You can find lee on insta @leetutty SNAPCHAT NAME: leetutty TWITTER NAME: leetutty01If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or suicidal thoughts, there are many resources available to offer support. Below is a list of helplines for addiction and suicide help:Samaritans: For confidential emotional support, 24/7.Call: 116 123Email: [email protected] House: Support for those experiencing suicidal ideation or self-harm.Call: 1800 247 247Text: HELP to 51444HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline: Support and guidance for addiction.Call: 1800 459 459Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.