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Barry Walsh

@bazwalsh85.bsky.social
396 followers 739 following 293 posts

Founder of FocusOnDiversity.ie Freelancer for ThinkBusiness.ie Dyslexia and Dyspraxa advocate One Young World Ambassador 2019, 23 & 25 Rugby, football and NFL fan. Views are my own

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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Each September, I review extracurricular programmes that can enhance a student's educational experience in education. This year I reviewed the best programmes, awards, or initiatives in Ireland and NI that second-level or third-level students can apply to. focusondiversity.ie/2026/09/25/t...
focusondiversity.ie
The Best Irish or European Programmes That Second-level or Third-Level Students Can Apply To, Part 1:
A few months ago I was on a One Young World call with UK and Ireland Ambassador Roos Bruggink, and Nicole Parkinson-Kelly from the Washington Ireland Programme was speaking. Nicole mentioned that i…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Have the South African directors watched rugby before? Camera coverage is awful! #liovlein
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Happy new rugby season day 😃 To celebrate, here's a video and article I wrote about a team of current and former male Irish rugby players who are using their platform to champion social causes focusondiversity.ie/2026/07/10/p...
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Ploughing Championships are here! It's Ireland's largest agricultural show, where people in the agricultural sector come together to network and take part in competitions. I looked at 20 different, unique, & interesting businesses in the Irish agri sector www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/iri...
thinkbusiness.ie
Irish agri businesses to watch | ThinkBusiness
With the Ploughing Championships getting under way, Barry Walsh looks at the businesses that are there to support the farmers, from innovative tech to livestock care and more. The National Ploughing C...
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Blas na hÉireanneann, (the most prestigious Irish food awards) are coming up. I looked at some of Ireland's most successful independent Irish condiment brands. Warning: don't read this if you're hungry...I've honestly never been hungrier writing an article! www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/bes...
thinkbusiness.ie
Success sauce: Irish condiments businesses | ThinkBusiness
Discover Ireland’s top artisan condiment brands, from award-winning sea salts and hot sauces to gourmet mayos, ketchups and specialty seasonings.
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
AI can be a great resource, but I asked it to build a database of people to contact, and so far, 1 of the people has been dead for 10 years, and 2 of the businesses have been closed for 5+ years 😀 😀 😀
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I'm recruiting for my Rathmines College of Further Education - Embracing Workplace Inclusion course again. It's designed to teach people with disabilities the skills of how to find employment All the details are in the video. Let me know ff you are interested focusondiversity.ie/2025/08/27/r...
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Reposted by Barry Walsh
Stephen Moran. @moranstephen1000.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
On CAO offers day, the pressure to secure a spot can overshadow the power of alternative pathways. Colleges of Further Education are phenomenal launching pads for successful careers, offering smaller class sizes and continuous assessments 1/2
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The Premiership is back tonight! So here's an article on 20 current or former Irish football internationals who are using their voice to fight for social change in Ireland or the UK. focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/30/p...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 5: More Than a Game: How Irish Football’s Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
Irish international footballers, past and present, have used their platforms to champion a range of causes close to their hearts. These include infant mortality and stillbirth support, spina bifida…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The next Marvel Universe characters have been revealed...
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Incredible night at the European Championships for Irish athletics. Mark English won gold, and Rhasidat Adeleke won silver. They both feature in my ongoing series about Irish sports stars using their social platforms to promote social change in Ireland. focusondiversity.ie/2026/07/01/p...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 4: More Than a Game: How Irish Olympians and Paralympians’ Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
Irish Olympic and Paralympic athletes are increasingly stepping out of their competitive arenas to use their global platforms as powerful engines for social change. No longer defined solely by thei…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
For once, this is actually money well spent. A very good ad that was shared widely and got the conversation going about it 👏👏👏
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
And the award for most tone deaf story of the week goes to....The Irish Times feature on the sport of Polo
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I'm looking for suggestions of people who did a Post Leaving Cert or QQI-accredited course, or went to Colleges of Further Education in Ireland and are now founders, directors, CEO's, or in the media. Let me know if you can think of anyone
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Authorities in Dublin are bracing for the arrival of a ruthless, tax-evading international criminal with an endless rap sheet. But enough about Trump. Daniel Kinahan is due in Dublin soon 😀😀
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
No fan of Dunphy or the man he was defending, but every Irish football fan will remember Dunphy's "tired and emotional" comment about Liddle: "He's the guy who ran away from his wife and left her for a young one 😀😀😀😀"
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
It's the All-Ireland finals in Camogie and Ladies' Gaelic Football this weekend and next weekend, so it felt like the right time to spotlight the players using their platform for more than sport. #allireland #ladiesfootball focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/29/p... 1/4
focusondiversity.ie
Part 3: More Than a Game: Female Gaelic Footballers and Camogie Players Who Are Fighting for Social Change and Gender Equality in Ireland
For decades, the conversation around women’s Gaelic games mostly centred on what happened between the lines. But lately, there’s a whole new game being played off the pitch. A powerful wave of camo…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
I am putting together an article promoting Irish and international programmes that third-level students can apply for. They range from Erasmus+, Gaisce's President's Award, and Dogpatch Lab's Patch or One Young World. If you have any other suggestions, please drop them in the comments below!
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Sometimes you have to say feck it and have a "me" day. We really don't appreciate the Irish Sea as much as we should. Skerries in the sunshine!
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
#Allireland Sunday is here! GAA players are championing social change in Ireland like never before. So here are 20 current and former Gaelic footballers speaking out about social issues and advocating for underrepresented groups in society #mayovkerry focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/18/1...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 1: More Than a Game: How Gaelic Hurlings’ Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
Across Ireland, elite Gaelic Hurlers are utilising their prominent sporting platforms to champion vital social causes, transforming their national status and unique lived experiences into powerful …
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
In GAA, it's the All-Ireland final weekend! Current and former GAA players are using their platforms to champion social change like never before. Here are 20 current and former Gaelic footballers speaking out about social issues and advocating for others focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/15/1...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 2: More Than a Game: How Gaelic Football’s Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
The All-Ireland Gaelic football championship is in full swing at the moment, and several high-profile players are taking advantage of this and gaining publicity for causes that they advocate for. A…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
It's #InternationalBrainDay. On top of the neurodiversity work I do, I wanted to share how a back injury went undiagnosed for 15 years before I was finally diagnosed with a rare brain condition called Functional Neurological Disorder with non-epileptic seizures focusondiversity.ie/2026/07/22/i...
focusondiversity.ie
International Brain Day: My Journey To Being Diagnosed With Functional Neurological Disorder and My 15-Year Journey to Getting a Diagnosis
A few important points to begin: I am not an expert in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND); it affects everyone differently, and this is my own account. I cannot give medical advice about FND. I…
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Reposted by Barry Walsh
🍁🇨🇦Team Canada Forever🇨🇦🍁 @teamcanadaforever.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New official statement from the Prime Minister’s office just dropped ☠️😂
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Plenty of Galway and Limerick players feature in my round-up of Gaelic Hurlers who are speaking out about social issues in Ireland: #allireland #galvlim focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/18/1...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 1: More Than a Game: How Gaelic Hurlers’ Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
Across Ireland, elite Gaelic Hurlers are utilising their prominent sporting platforms to champion vital social causes, transforming their national status and unique lived experiences into powerful …
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
New Zealand, being so clinical, shows how far off clinical Ireland are. So many unforced errors #nzvire
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
It's the #AllIrelandFinal weekend. It's the perfect time to kick off a series of articles I've been working on about different sports and entertainment stars in Ireland and how they advocate for different social issues. focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/18/1...
focusondiversity.ie
Part 1: More Than a Game: How Gaelic Hurlers’ Biggest Names Are Fighting for Social Change in Ireland
Across Ireland, elite Gaelic Hurlers are utilising their prominent sporting platforms to champion vital social causes, transforming their national status and unique lived experiences into powerful …
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Here is Part 2 of my article, the 50 Most Inclusive Products in Ireland. It features companies like Izzy Wheels. Lottie Dolls, Peri and Mobility Mojo, Sensory toys and a whole lot more focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/10/5...
focusondiversity.ie
50 of Ireland’s Most Inclusive Products (Part 2)
Following on from the great reaction I got from Part 1 of this article. Here is the intro for Part 2. Ireland’s most recent census tells us that Ireland’s inclusion picture is increasingly diverse …
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Reposted by Barry Walsh
Russ Jones @russincheshire.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
News: Widdecombe is dead Farage: Tragedy! 😢 News: Murdered Farage: Distraction! 🥳 News: Arrest! Farage: Immigrant! News: Nope Farage: Terrorist? News: Nope Farage: I'll say terrorist anyway Police: Don't Farage: Woke!! Police: Maybe terrorist Farage: Yay! Police: But white British Farage: DAMMIT!!
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
I'd love to see Ken's inbox today 😀
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Pound for pound, France is the best sporting nation on the planet right now
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
This is why I don't take my seat belt off at all on a flight! 😳😳😳
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The English laughing at one of their far ➡️ leaders The French laughing at one of their far ➡️ leaders The USA laughing at one of their far ➡️leaders Ireland OK lads no need to follow their lead...
static.klipy.com
Homer Simpson's Classic D'oh Moment
ALT: Homer Simpson's Classic D'oh Moment
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I often focus on services as part of DEI, but what are Ireland's most inclusive products? These are Irish founders solving real, overlooked problems for disabled people, older adults, new mothers, and marginalised communities. focusondiversity.ie/2026/06/09/5...
focusondiversity.ie
50 of Ireland’s Most Inclusive Products (Part 1)
Ireland’s most recent census tells us that Ireland’s inclusion picture is increasingly diverse and inclusive. Census 2022 data shows us that 1,109,557 people, or 22% of the population, have a long-…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Never been so happy not to be able to work at a game 😀 😀 😀
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
No penalties at the opening ceremony...well maybe they learnt www.youtube.com/shorts/DTH7E...
youtube.com
⚽️Diana Ross' AWFUL penalty miss🤣 | 🌍 FIFA World Cup GOLDENMOMENTS🏆 | No.3 #DianaRoss #Funny
YouTube video by The Futball Factory
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
THE #WORLDCUP IS HERE! I found it difficult to find a DEI angle for this tournament, with so much negativity around it. But here are 11 players born into war zones or refugee camps who now represent their country at the biggest tournament in the world. focusondiversity.ie/2026/05/21/f...
focusondiversity.ie
From Conflict, War and Refugee Camps to the World Cup
I’ve previously written articles on Rugby Players speaking openly about issues in DEI, the best people to follow for the Female 2023 World Cup and Irish GAA players to open their own business…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
THE #WORLDCUP IS HERE! I found it difficult to find the DEI angle for this tournament with so much negativity around it. But here are 11 players born into war zones or refugee camps who now represent their country at the biggest tournament in the world. focusondiversity.ie/2026/05/21/f...
focusondiversity.ie
From Conflict, War and Refugee Camps to the World Cup
I’ve previously written articles on Rugby Players speaking openly about issues in DEI, the best people to follow for the Female 2023 World Cup and Irish GAA players to open their own business…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Doing an Irish footballers who opened their own business article. Below are some of the shortlist. (I'd prefer actual businesses rather than just promotions holding companies for their media work), but suggestions welcome! 1/3
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Ah, English Leaving Cert Paper 1. I'll never forget when the Dept of Education put a poet on the ordinary paper, and none of us could spell their name!
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Addiction is rarely discussed in the workplace or in the area of DEI. However, often those who recover from their addiction make for some of the best entrepreneurs Here are some of Ireland's best entrepreneurs who overcame their addiction and launched a business focusondiversity.ie/2026/05/25/f...
focusondiversity.ie
From Addiction to Recovery to Entrepreneurship
The Health Research Board recorded 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024 alone, the highest annual number ever recorded, with cocaine remaining the most common drug treated, accounting …
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I'm creating an article on Irish people who have gone through addiction (for alcohol, drugs or gambling), then went into recovery and eventually founded their own business. If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments, or PM me privately if you'd prefer to keep it anonymous.
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Reposted by Barry Walsh
Cian Twomey @cian2me.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Just to be clear, you don't need to be white to be Irish.
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Didn't think RTE not showing the Eurovision and instead showing Fr Ted could get much better but.... www.rte.ie/entertainmen...
rte.ie
Linehan objects to Father Ted episode on Eurovision night
Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has said he objects "in the strongest possible terms" to RTÉ showing the sitcom's Eurovision-themed episode on the night of this year's Eurovision Song Contest fin...
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Aoife Cotter is a primary school teacher whose son has Autism and Down Syndrome When she couldn’t find easy‑on clothing for him, she created Born Zippy. Clothing for children with additional needs Aoife now wants to spread her message of inclusivity in clothing focusondiversity.ie/2026/05/05/1...
focusondiversity.ie
Born Zippy – How an Irish Mum is Designing Clothing Specifically For Children With Additional Needs
Aoife Cotter is a primary school teacher and mum of a son, Ted, who has Down Syndrome and autism. After she identified a clear gap in the Irish market for zip-back pyjamas suitable for children wit…
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Wonderwall wins in Punchestown. Not that surprising; by now, he should've somehow realised what he's not to do 😀😀 #punchestownraces
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Excellent new work and access guidelines for accessing the fund and employing more people with disabilities just came out. Far more information and easier to understand. Hopefully, it will lead to more companies accessing it www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
gov.ie
Operational Guidelines: Work and Access
Work and Access funds disability-inclusive employment for job candidates, employees, self-employed, and employers to adjust workplaces to be accessible.
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
First day of nice weather must mean it's festival season 😀 😀 I enjoyed putting this together. Everything you need for festival season. from food to tents, suncream to ponchos, here's everything you need to support Irish businesses this summer www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/iri...
thinkbusiness.ie
Irish firms to get you festival-ready | ThinkBusiness
From rain gear to wellness and eco essentials, discover the Irish businesses helping festival-goers get prepared for Ireland’s busy 2026 season.
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Never has there been a nice day in Ireland not ruined by an asshole neighbour with a lawnmower, leaf blower or building work
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Barry Walsh @bazwalsh85.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Hoping to get a bit of a discussion going on this. What reasonable accommodations have you seen work well for people with disabilities in the workplace? Here are 30 inexpensive, reasonable accommodations that I've seen work well in an Irish office focusondiversity.ie/2026/04/02/i...
focusondiversity.ie
30 Inexpesive Reasonable Accomodations that I have seen work in Irish Workplaces
A&L Goodbody (in this article) states that “Section 16 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 (the Act) forms the bedrock of the duty to provide reasonable accommodation in Ireland. Pu…
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