I’m a final-year Journalism student at Technological University Dublin with a strong passion for storytelling, current affairs and uncovering the truth. I’ve always been curious about what’s happening in the world, guided by a strong sense of justice that shapes the kind of stories I want to tell. My main interest lies in radio and podcasting, where I feel storytelling can have the most powerful and personal impact. I majored in radio, and the project I’m presenting was awarded Best Radio Production (News and Current Affairs) at the Student National Awards. This was especially meaningful to me as it focused on Ireland’s criminal justice system, an issue I believe deserves far more public attention and discussion.
Through my studies, I’ve gained hands-on newsroom experience contributing to platforms like thecity.ie and Clic News, building skills in multimedia storytelling and editorial production. Alongside this, I work as a Social Media and Marketing Assistant at Workspace Interiors, where I develop digital content and strengthen my communication skills. I’m eager to continue growing as a journalist, combining my academic experience and professional skills to contribute to meaningful, impactful storytelling in the media landscape.
Inside Out
In this episode, I go inside Ireland's criminal justice system to ask what we really mean by rehabilitation and what happens when people try to rebuild their lives after prison. We follow Damien Quinn, who entered prison as a teenager and found that some of the hardest challenges came after release: closed doors in work, housing, and education. Out of that experience he created Speire Nua, a project built on lived experience and practical support.
Criminologist Dr. Katharina Svirock (University College Cork) steps back to explore the bigger picture: Ireland's "moderately penal" reputation, high recidivism rates, overcrowded prisons, and the limited supports available for reintegration. She considers what it might look like if rehabilitation were taken seriously as a shared social goal.
Former prison governor Eddie Mullins offers the view from inside the walls - a system under pressure, staff who want to do their best, and institutions trying to balance safety, resources and the ambition to change lives. Together, their stories open up a set of difficult, but important, questions: What does it take for someone to truly get a second chance afte prison - and what kind of justice system would support that?
