CMETB The Journey

This week, we are joined by Christopher Redhead from Monaghan, who shares his powerful and inspiring story of battling alcohol addiction at a young age. He opens up about hitting rock bottom, his path to recovery, and how education became a turning point in rebuilding his life. Now dedicated to helping others, Christopher reflects on the strength it took to turn his life around.

In this episode to mark International Literacy Day, Martin is joined by Ceinwen Fergus, Regional Literacy Coordinator. He chats to Sinead Cahill and Michael Duffy about what it's like to return to learning. And he meets Laura Carey from Cavan Libraries, and Karen McCague from Monaghan Libraries, to find out how they support adults with unmet literacy needs. 

As part of Aontas Adult Learners’ Festival 2025, The Journey Podcast took to the road to meet some very interesting learners hosted in Monaghan Institute. From Samantha who was sending in assignments from the labour ward to Hugo from France who came as an exchange student two years ago and still here, and many more very interesting stories. 

Alanna Duffy from Ballyconnell calls in for a chat on a visit home from Abu Dhabi where she has been working as a teacher for the last 6 years. Having qualified with a degree in Early Childhood Education in Ireland, Alanna explains how she completed her teaching qualification while working in Abu Dhabi. A very interesting insight into what it is like to work in the Middle East.

Gary Ferncombe from Cavan town explains his journey to becoming a Radiographer. From staying in school just to participate in sport to heading to England to complete his degree’s, this fascinating story shows what can be achieved by continuing to move forward and staying focused.    

Conan Meehan from Ulster University called in to discuss all things UCAS and the opportunities available at Ulster University. In this episode Conan goes through the UCAS application and explains how finance works for students thinking of studying in the UK especially in Northern Ireland. As with all our guests Conan gives an insight into his own educational journey.

Michael Duffy calls into the lads to chat about his journey in education. At the age of 56 Michael decides to confront the fact that he cannot read and decides to do something about it. With a great sense of humour, Michael discusses the many challenges and obstacles not being able to read has had on his life and how his life has changed completely since learning to read.  

This week Simon Pierce joins the lads to tell his story from drug addiction at a very young age to currently completing his degree in Health & Social Studies at university. This fascinating story shows the damage addiction can do and the power of recovery.

Season 2 begins with a short introductory episode with the lads explaining what a guidance interview looks like and what is involved in the process.

This week Mary Clarke from Mountnugent joins the lads for an insightful discussion on how external influences from an early age can have a negative or positive impact on one's educational journey.

Having not been given the opportunity to pursue her educational gaols after her Leaving Certificate, Mary eventually returns to fulfil her dream at the age of 56.

This week the lads are joined by former Cavan footballer Martin Reilly who details his journey starting out with Burnley FC at 16, to an apprenticeship on his return to Ireland and finally heading off to university to become an Engineer.

In this solo episode, the lads talked about their own experiences in education thus far, the barriers they faced and the future plans for the podcast. Enjoy! 

In this weeks episode, former Adult Guidance Counsellor with CMETB Bernadette Connolly joins the lads to discuss her career change in her late 40's. Bernadette gives a brilliant insight into the personal struggles she faced and barriers she overcame in her decision to move from nursing into the world of guidance counselling.

Helen Doherty joins the lads for a chat to discuss her fascinating journey through education. At the age of 50, Helen explains that she had a desire to return to full time education after rearing her family, but in doing so, she experienced a great degree of fear and anxiety, a barrier which nearly prevented her from realising her true potential.