What happened to Community?

Andrew O'Connell in Conversation with two of the Liberties' finest Belles

The Liberties is one of Dublin’s oldest and most character-filled neighbourhoods. Its streets hold centuries of history markets, trades, music, industry, and above all, people.

For many who grew up there, the Liberties is not just a place on the map but a living community built on shared experiences, resilience, and pride.

In a relaxed conversation about community life, Andrew sits down with two amazing women and TV personalities who know the Liberties better than most: Anita Reilly and Tracie Reid. Both proudly call themselves Liberty Girlos born and reared in the area, and between them they have more than twenty-five years of involvement in community work, volunteering, and supporting local initiatives.

Their conversation touches on memories of growing up in the Liberties, the deep sense of belonging that still defines the area, and the challenges the community continues to face today.

This episode is 1hr 28min approx, but worth every minute of your time.

If you would like to get in touch, leave ideas, offer skills and services or just comment.

Drop an email to yuptheflatspodcast@gmail.com

Chris Curran works in the Social Housing sector in Ireland but cut his teeth in his early years developing a career from his home in the Liberties. Educated in James's Street CBS he has mixed the world of Accounting, IT, Politics, and Housing in his current role. In this episode, he talks about the challenges that he faced growing up in the Liberties of the 80's and the struggle to survive.

Ferghal Connolly is the coordinator of the Donore Community Drug & Alcohol Team. He has worked in the

South Inner City around the Liberties and Donore Avenue area for over 40 years working in the area of 

Drug Treatment and support services.