Our Members

Brendan Bonner

I have been blind since birth. My hobbies are music, especially Irish music like The Pogues. I present a show on Causeway Hospital Radio on Thursday nights. I also like swimming, going to the gym and surfing the net. Eye Matter appealed to me because a lot of things were happening and I felt young people with sight problems could benefit from the forum. It's certainly an opportunity to get to know other young people who share the same interests. It is also good to help campaign and to get more jobs for people with sight problems.

Kelsey McQuaid

I have been partially sighted from birth and come from Banbridge. I have just completed my A levels at New Bridge Integrated College. I am very interested in journalism and have been involved in a project with Children's Express. I joined Eye Matter to meet new people that have the same problems as me. I also wanted to campaign and lobby for my rights as a young person with sight problems. Society often ignores these rights but hopefully these attitudes will change. As well as meeting new people I have also improved my confidence on issues that affect me and I am not afraid to stand up for my rights.

Leeanne Gilchrist

I'm a 21-year-old former student of Jordanstown schools and Antrim Technical College. I went blind at the age of eleven. In my spare time I enjoy singing. I really enjoy drama and reading especially the Harry Potter novels. I am currently working for Ulster Sheltered Employment Limited. I joined Eye Matter because it has presented me the opportunity to meet new and interesting people with similar problems and circumstances.

Paula Meenan

I have albinism and am partially sighted. I work as a creche assistant with children aged 0 to 3 years. My hobbies are, swimming, going to the cinema, listening to music and reading. I joined Eye Matter to meet new friends. I enjoy going on the residentials and trying out new things.

Laura Slater

Damien O'Neill

Damien O'Neill, 27 from Belfast. I currently work for the RNIB in Northern Ireland as a Transcription Officer producing materials in a variety of accessible formats.I have a 2 year old daughter called Megan. I enjoy spending time with my family, computers, films/TV and going out with friends.I have been involved with the EyeMatter group for around 2 years. Attending workshops/training when possible.

Marcella Mcghee

Iam 24 years old and I origonally come from County Donegal. I now live in Belfast and work for the childre, youth and educaation team in the RNIB. I am a member of Eye Matter and hope to help in addressing some of the barriers facing young blind and partially sighted people today.

Thomas Quigley

I am 25 years old and live in Newry Co Down. I'm totally blind, or is that suffer with sight loss! Anyway, as I have said I am 25 and have a number of interests. I suppose music would probably be my main passion. I love to play and listen to music. I mainly play drums and the bass guitar, although I play regular guitar as well. I've been a part of Eye Matter since February 2004 and consider it a very important and essential organisation for young people with sight problems in Northern Ireland. I would like and hope to be a key member of Eye Matter for a long time to come, also I would like to see the organisation grow, expand and become a leading voice for the members and people we represent.

Lousie Neeson

My name is Louise Neeson and I am 26. I am from Maghera. I really enjoy the youth group eye matter. It is a brilliant opportunity for you people with sight loss to interact with others who suffer from sight loss. It is great place for people to share new and past experiences.

I love the residential it's great to get away from time to time. Eye matter campaign for very important things such as proper treatment when you are using public transport.

Simon Gough

Since arriving in Northern Ireland from New Zealand I have become an active Eye Matter member. This experience has allowed me to gain insight into issues facing people with sight loss in this country and become part of a team dedicated to resolving these issues. It has also helped me adjust to my new surroundings by having interaction with a range of local people and giving me a better sense of community spirit. One of the best things about being an Eye Matter member is pursuing my love of the outdoors with the Duke of Edinburgh award. Through taking part in this award, not only have I seen a wide range of beautiful scenery and met great people, I've also furthered my personal development. I would recommend that anyone interested in making positive changes, both in the community and within themselves should get involved with Eye Matter, and I'm very grateful to those who have made these opportunities possible.

;Rosaleen Dempsey

I am 29 years old and from the metropolis of Aghadowey. I joined Eye Matter in 2005 when I started work in RNIB Children's Services. I think the group has gone from strength to strength in offering opportunities to blind and partially sighted young people and their sighted peers. Through Eye Matter I am currently studying for the OCN Level 3 in Youth Work and taking part in the campaigns workshops. On a less serious note the socialising and residentials are great craic.