Shine A Light Visits Cumas New Ross as they mark 50 years of ability, ambition and independence

A special Shine A Light programme has heard directly from people supported by Cumas New Ross about education, employment, independent living, creativity and the importance of having real choices in life.

Cumas New Ross is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 having first been established in June 1976.

During a special visit to its services, Shine A Light with Siobhan Murphy explored how the organisation has evolved over the past five decades and met some of the people whose achievements, ambitions and everyday experiences demonstrate what person-centred support can make possible.

The programme highlighted the breadth of Cumas today, from education and employment preparation to day opportunities, residential supports, independent living, creativity and participation in the wider community.

Learning creating new opportunities

Dylan Murphy’s story demonstrated how learning can open the door to further opportunities.

After beginning with supported learning through NALA, Dylan progressed through Levels 1, 2 and 3 and achieved QQI Level 3 qualifications. He subsequently moved on to Level 4 culinary training.

His experience showed that education does not have to follow one traditional route and that, with the appropriate support and opportunity, learning can continue throughout a person’s life.

Helen Brennan also spoke about returning to education at her own pace. Her journey through QQI Levels 1, 2 and 3 reflected the importance of allowing people to build their skills and confidence gradually, without pressure or comparison.

Employment, responsibility and trust

Employment was a clear goal for Jason Brown, and his pathway through Cumas has focused on developing the skills, experience and confidence required to move towards that ambition.

Jason has participated in training, upskilling and work-experience opportunities and is also a member of the Cumas Trad Band, bringing another dimension of creativity, friendship and participation to his life.

Paddy’s experience in the trophy department at Cumas Design demonstrated how meaningful work, trust and the right support can allow a person to take on increasing levels of responsibility.

During almost 20 years in the department, Paddy has progressed from learning how to engrave trophies to dealing with customers, ordering products from suppliers and playing an important role in the daily operation of the service.

His contribution illustrated that employment is about much more than simply having somewhere to go. It can provide purpose, responsibility, social connection and the opportunity to develop genuine expertise.

Focusing on what people can do

The programme also met Tommy Connors, whose story emphasised that disability should never be allowed to define the opportunities available to an individual.

Tommy has no sight and listening plays a particularly important role in how he accesses information, entertainment and the wider world. Music, stories and radio are central parts of his day, which he enjoys through his iPad and earphones.

Rather than concentrating solely on the assistance Tommy requires, his contribution focused on what he enjoys, the choices he makes and how appropriate support can remove barriers to participation.

Radio holds a particularly special place in Tommy’s life, helping him remain connected with news, entertainment and what is happening within his community.

Home, choice and independence

Rebecca shared her experience of rebuilding her life following an acquired brain injury.

Her story centred on home, recovery, choice and independence, showing how everyday decisions can become hugely significant when a person is working to regain control over their own life.

The support Rebecca receives is designed around enabling her to live independently and make her own choices, rather than making those choices on her behalf.

The programme also heard from Tosin Daniels, whose journey through the School Leavers Ability Project has led her to SETU, where she is entering the fourth year of her Social Care studies.

Her progression demonstrated the value of supporting young people as they move from school into further education, training and adult life. It also showed how encouragement, planning and practical support can help a young person pursue ambitious long-term goals.

Music provided another joyful element of the visit as members of the Cumas Band introduced themselves and performed together, capturing the friendship, personality and sense of community found throughout the organisation.

Looking towards the next 50 years

General Manager Sinead Foskin spoke about the transformation of Cumas from its original workshop model to an organisation centred on individual goals, independence, empowerment and each person’s right to build their own better life.

Board members Martin and Rita also reflected on the organisation’s history, its strong connection with New Ross and the voluntary commitment that has helped guide its development.

Today, Cumas provides a wide range of supports that extend far beyond its buildings. Its work includes education, employment preparation, community participation, social enterprise, independent living and residential services.

The organisation’s 50th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise what has been achieved since 1976, but the programme also looked towards the work that remains to be done and the ambitions Cumas holds for the next generation.

Across all three parts of the programme, one message stood out clearly: people flourish when they are listened to, trusted and given meaningful opportunities.

The stories shared by Dylan, Jason, Helen, Tommy, Paddy, Rebecca, Tosin and the musicians of the Cumas Band were not simply stories about receiving support. They were stories about achievement, responsibility, education, work, friendship, independence and the freedom to make choices.

Listen back to the full Shine A Light programme in the podcast section of the South East Radio website.

This program is funded by the news reporting scheme