Radio show brings voices at St Raphael’s right into the community

For the residents, service users, and staff of St Raphael’s, Youghal, and a dedicated broadcasting team from CRY 104FM Community Radio, all their Christmases came together when they won a Gold Award and a Craol Achievement Award Standout Submission in the Craol Community Radio Awards for a special show which was broadcast this time last year.

‘Christmas from St Raphael’s 2024’ is a festive mix of memories, of stories of yore, of nostalgia, of the days of the Ballroom of Romance, old music favourites that never date, and the general joie de vivre felt by the service users and staff of St Raphael’s who help each other out and enjoy each other’s company.

“We broadcast approximately 165 hours a week,” says station manager Yvonne Smith.

“Since our existence in 1979, volunteers are the essence of our existence. Today, there are five core staff, 11 Community Employment staff and two Tus staff.

“In addition, there are over 135 active volunteers participating in our activities of broadcasting, training, community engagement, and governance,” says Yvonne.

“Our community radio station is an active source of engagement and a platform for all sectors of the community.”

She speaks about days we don’t want to remember.

“Everyone knows about the effects covid had on us,” says Yvonne.

“The isolation, the loneliness, the fear, were obvious all over the country.

“Older people were the most affected in the community.”

Yvonne came up with a novel idea to raise the spirits and morale among her community and further afield.

“I came up with the idea with two of the staff of St Raphael’s to broadcast a programme from St Raphael’s with segments from both the service users, residents, and the staff.”

Yvonne’s idea was warmly welcomed, and the wonderful content that the ‘dream team’ delivered combined to give easy, memorable listening in the town of Youghal and the surrounding areas of east Cork and west Waterford.

“The idea evolved,” says Yvonne. “It took off. We broadcast programmes at least twice a year from St Raphael’s Centre. We get fantastic feedback.”

Then the magical idea was hatched to broadcast a Christmas Special from St Raphael’s to include all the clients, service-users, and staff wishing to participate.

The scene was set. The enthusiastic team of clients and staff of the centre were on cue to spread the joy.

Angela Kearns, Stephen O’Leary and Steve Whelan of CRY Community Radio were on hand to make the magic a reality.

“The people at St Raphael’s are like one big family,” says Yvonne.

“They inspire us. The dedication of the staff is amazing to witness. Being greeted by the staff and clients at St Raphael’s, we were emotional, we were blown away, and we felt privileged. We were treated like royalty.”

The CRY Community Radio team were welcomed and embraced.

“The residents got more involved,” says Yvonne.

“The camaraderie and the atmosphere at the community hub that is St Raphael’s is something beautiful to behold.”

Listening to the award-winning piece, I am transported back in time and to the Ballroom of Romance. Kevin’s music choice is Giving it all Away by Roger Daltrey.

That was known as a clinger back in the day!

Kevin enjoys social farming, working with sheep and horses, looking after the yard and enjoying tea and cake.

Sounds like a good job if one could get it?

“I only do one day a week,” Kevin says.

That is because he and his fellow travellers are too busy bussing it to Clonakilty, where they see how black pudding and sausages are made.

The social outings are a big thing for the people involved in St Raphael’s.

The regular outings to Kinsale, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Kerry, and many other places of interest make it feel like ‘a summer holiday’ for all concerned.

Paudie, from Dungourney, also enjoys social farming, looking after the ducks and the chickens. His music choice is Foster & Allen.

It is a case of round the house and mind the dresser!

In the garden, we meet Ali and her helper Jimmy Murphy, who has the gift of green fingers.

“I don’t know what I would do without Jimmy,” says Ali.

We learn about the range of produce, the honesty box under the archway, and the wonderful support from the community. On open days, St Raphael’s flies their flags to celebrate the great day.

The open-air live traditional music provided by local artists Jon Bulman and Bobby Minogue, lends a party atmosphere to St Raphael’s and its surrounds.

“People living in St Sarsfield Terrace wonder what’s going on!

“‘Christmas from St Raphael’s’ has been an astounding success, allowing our community to connect with a diverse group of people who have disabilities,” says Yvonne.

“The impact of the programme was profoundly evident; the residents and staff beamed with pride in their involvement.”

It was really a ‘kinda magic’.

“We believe this project offers invaluable social benefits, shedding light on the lives of the marginalised and under-represented members of our community.

“The residents feel a deep sense of belonging and joy from participating, inspiring us to continue the important project every year.”

They are all in it together.

“We are engaging directly with over 47 residents and staff members,” says Yvonne.

What does the project mean to everybody involved?

“For the residents, it offers a meaningful way to participate in community radio,” says Yvonne.

“The experience builds confidence as they share their songs, poems, and play requests. The staff at St Raphael’s Centre are incredibly supportive and always encourage the residents.”

Yvonne and her team feel the joy.

“It is an absolute privilege to be able to produce such wonderful programmes and to witness the amazing work they do.”

The collective work of the community, ‘Christmas from St Raphael’s’ 2024, was duly recognised.

“Each year, Craol run achievement awards and receive submissions from the 22 community radio stations in Ireland,” explains Yvonne.

“These awards are very important, and they are an acknowledgement of the work community radio does in Ireland.”

The last word should go to Richard, who enjoys days out with his friends.

What did he get up to in Kilkenny?

“I didn’t get up to much,” says Richard.

“I was watched like a hawk!”