Tony Murray was my college lecturer. I didn't like college, college didn't like me. I was surprised to see Tony's name pop up in my inbox (and a little bit panicked too if I'm honest, PTSD).
Tony was a great lecturer. He gave me a piece of advice that I've implemented my whole career “always have a project and always finish it”. So projects like this one, Sin Scéal Eile and my previous book, Twilight Together, are almost habitual thanks to Tony.
Tony and I talked at length about the college, what we loved, what we hated. We chatted about his time as a student too. However, when it boiled down to editing this podcast, I feel it was the subject we ended on that was most important. The topic of his daughter's future care.
Tony and his wife Susan have long been lobbying the government for additional support for disabled people. Recently they set up Before We Die. It's a group of adults, who are 70+ and currently caring for their disabled, grown children. Tony's worry is what will happen to his daughter, Aoife, who is intellectually disabled and can't live independently, when he and his wife pass. At present there is no plan, or even reassurance from the government that there even will be a plan coming soon.
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