The Two Norries Support Ireland’s Deaf Community On National Irish Sign Language Day

NOTE: INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

The Two Norries are linking up with the Cork Deaf Association for a very special podcast on Saturday 10th December in acknowledgement of National Irish Sign Language Day.  The Two Norries, who have emerged as one of Ireland’s premier sources of insightful information on a broad range of social issues, will be speaking to Dr. John Bosco Conama.  Dr. Conama is a member of the Deaf Community and the director for the Centre for Deaf Studies at Trinity College, Dublin.  The video of the podcast, complete with Irish Sign Language interpretation, will be aired on December 14th, which is National Irish Sign Language Day.

December 14th is a day of tremendous significance to the Irish Deaf Community.  It marks the anniversary of the passing of the Irish Sign Language Bill in the Dáil in 2017.  The Irish Sign Language Act officially recognises Irish Sign Language as a native language of the Irish State and places an obligation on public bodies to provide free ISL interpretation for Irish Sign Language users. This year’s celebrations come with a renewed call to the Government to urgently publish a National Disability Authority Report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act, which has been with Minister Rabbitte since 2021 and not yet published.

Dr.Conama was a leading light in the Irish Deaf Society led Campaign which resulted in the Irish Sign Language Act, therefore the interview air date has additional resonance. He joins a list of notable interviewees who have been on the Two Norries podcast, such as An Taoiseach, Michael Martin and Ryan Tubridy.  Dr. Conama will be sharing his personal story and insights as a highly respected academic in the field of Deaf Studies.  Dr. Conama has also been involved in many committees and working groups within the Civil Service and other Government bodies to monitor the progress of Deaf and disabled people in society.

Cork Deaf Association Executive Manager, Gerrie O’ Grady, welcomes the opportunity presented by the interview ‘The Two Norries podcast resonates with so many people because of James and Timmy’s gift for meaningful and accessible exploration of crucial issues while giving interviewees the space to tell their own stories in their own way. Dr. Conama has a powerful story to tell and we are very much looking forward to this deeply important conversation during a very special week for the Irish Deaf Community’.

For information on the podcast/youtube show, please visit www.twonorries.com.  The podcast will be available on December 10th and available to view on December 14th, with Irish Sign Language interpretation.  For show details, visit www.twonorries.com.

For information on the Cork Deaf Association and its services or activities, please see www.corkdeaf.ie, email mail@corkdeaf.ie or text (086) 853 5574.

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

JBC Transcript Two Norries interview final