Welcome to ‘My Driving Force’, a podcast by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, about what Drives People to reach their goals and achieve their full potential in life. In this series we will be talking to DDAI Members and friends about what is their Driving Force in Life.
The Disabled Drivers Association is Ireland’s leading charity which supports Disabled Drivers and Passengers on a national level. We promote independence and equal opportunity through mobility, education, and training. Our services include The EU Parking Card, Motoring Information & Advice, Advocacy and the Shopmobility service.
Our Mission Statement “The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland takes care to present physical disability in the best possible light and strives to show that most physical disabilities can be overcome, and individuals can go on to achieve their full potential, with the benefit of support and training”.
Presenter: Richard Ryder, Communications Manager with the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland.
www.ddai.ie (http://www.ddai.ie/)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
On this episode, Richard is joined by Matt McCann, CEO and Co-founder of Access Earth.
https://www.accessearth.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Mar 2026
Harry Greaney
On this episode, Richard is joined by Harry Greaney, a personal trainer and powerlifter whose story is a real example of resilience, grit, and determination.
https://www.ddai.ie/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 Dec 2025
Jonny Moore - Motability Ireland
In this episode, Richard speaks with Jonny Moore, General Manager of Motability Ireland. Having supported countless customers and organisations with their accessible transport needs, Jonny shares insights from a career dedicated to making mobility possible for all.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Sept 2025
Geraldine Lavelle
In this episode, Richard sits down with the inspiring Geraldine Lavelle. In October 2013, Geraldine’s life took a sudden and dramatic turn after a cycling accident left her paralysed. What followed was a decade-long journey marked by extraordinary physical and emotional resilience. From living in a care facility to regaining her independence and moving into her own home in Castlebar.
Geraldine is also the author of two excellent books, Weathering the Storm and When the Apple is Ready it Will Fall, where she shares her story with honesty, strength, and insight.
https://www.ddai.ie/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Aug 2025
Pat Carthy
In this episode, Richard chats with Pat Carthy — farmer, sales rep, Wheelchair Hurling Captain, and DDAI board member. Pat shares his journey of resilience and determination after a car accident at 20 left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
8 Mar 2024
James Casserly
In this episode Richard talks to James Casserly. James is 18 years old and lives in Lucan Co. Dublin. James is on a mission to travel to all 32 counties, by bus, train and tram. He wants to find out how accessible our public transport service really is. James is documenting his journey via his social media handle, Jimbo’s Accessible Adventures. He has over 10,000 followers, so check him out on the usual channels…
If you would like to contact me do so by emailing podcast@ddai.ie
If you are interested in finding out about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
7 Feb 2024
Martyn Moran
In this episode Richard talks to Martyn Moran, a DDAI Board Member among many other accomplishments. Martyn is a native of Claregalway, and now lives in Loughrea, Co. Galway.
Martyn lost his left leg following a terrible accident on the family farm when he was just 2 years 8 months old.
Now in his 70’s, Martyn describes himself as an outgoing person and says he has a positive approach to life despite his difficulties.
He says he has had a good life despite all the suffering.
If you would like to talk to Martyn please contact me by emailing podcast@ddai.ie
If you would like to contact me for any other reason please send an email to podcast@ddai.ie.
If you are interested in finding out about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Jan 2024
Seamus Reidy
In this episode Richard talks to Seamus Reidy, Chairperson of the Disabled Drives Association of Ireland. Seamus is a wheelchair user since an early age but never let his disability get in the way of his independence and sense of adventure. He is an avid sports supporter, and has recently returned from France where he spent 8 weeks following the Irish Rugby Team on their World Cup journey. Seamus tells Richard about how he got on travelling the highways and byways of France (with a few handy tips thrown in!). Seamus hails from Limerick but now lives and works in Carrick-on-Shannon.
If you are interested in finding out about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie )or if you would like to contact me for any reason please email podcast@ddai.ie (mailto:podcast@ddai.ie).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Nov 2023
Peter Gohery
In this episode Richard Ryder talks to County Galway farmer and DDAI Board Member Peter Gohery.
Peter sustained life-changing injuries in a farm accident in 2009 involving an unguarded tractor PTO shaft. Since then, Peter has become a disability advocate and someone who is passionate about talking to fellow farmers about Health & Safety on the farm. Peter lives with his wife Jean and 4 children in Eyrecourt, Co. Galway.
If you would like to contact us for any reason please send an email to podcast@ddai.ie
If you are interested in finding out about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Oct 2023
Nikki Bradley
In this episode Richard Ryder talks to DDAI Member Nikki Bradley, motivational speaker, adaptive adventurer, and disability activist. Nikki was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma when she was 16 years old. Nikki has had numerous operations including two hip replacements and ultimately rotationplasty in 2022. Nikki runs her own business and set up a campaign called Fighting Fit for Ewings in 2013.
If you would like to contact us for any reason, please send an email to podcast@ddai.ie
If you are interested in finding out about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Sept 2023
Sean O'Kelly
In this episode Richard Ryder speaks with Sean O’Kelly, a DDAI Member and disability activist since 2016 when he set up a campaign called A day in my wheels, and subsequently started Access for all Ireland with his co-founder Bernard Mulvany. Sean lives in Dublin and works in the Beacon Hospital in Sandyford.
If you would like to contact us, please send an email to podcast@ddai.ie
If you are interested in finding out more about the Disabled Drivers Association and the services we offer, please visit www.ddai.ie (www.ddai.ie)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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