Our second gathering under The Common Table brought together another powerful example of what dialogue can look like when it is rooted in real community work, lived experience, and care for people.

We were delighted to welcome Brian Woods, Det. Chief Superintendent with An Garda Síochána, who joined us for lunch and an open, thoughtful conversation on community engagement, youth work, and active citizenship.

As always, the format was simple and intentional: sharing a meal, listening carefully, learning from one another, and creating space for honest discussion.

The Gateway Project: Dialogue Through Action

A central part of the conversation focused on the Gateway Project, a youth initiative delivered in partnership with the United Nations and An Garda Síochána (Irish Police ‘Guardians of Peace’)

The project brought together young people from Belvedere Youth Club in Dublin’s North East Inner City, alongside young people from Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. It combined life skills training, football, intercultural learning, and digital media, creating a space where young people could learn, connect, and grow together.

The programme involved:

• 10 participants and 3 youth workers from Belvedere Youth Club

• 20 Greek and Turkish Cypriot young people

• Support from Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Delivered through a mix of online preparation sessions and in-person engagement, the project culminated in a full exchange programme in Pyla, a unique location shared by Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

What stood out clearly was how dialogue was not treated as a theory, but as something lived, through teamwork, shared challenges, conversation, and everyday interaction.

A Lifetime of Community Engagement

With over 32 years of frontline experience, Brian Woods spoke candidly about what community policing really means. He emphasised that trust is built slowly, through presence, consistency, and genuine relationships, not just through policy or enforcement.

Throughout the discussion, Brian returned to a simple but powerful idea: dialogue starts with showing up. Being available, listening without judgement, and standing alongside people in their everyday lives can make a lasting difference, especially for young people.

Dialogue in Today’s Ireland

The conversation also widened to reflect on why dialogue matters in Ireland today. Participants discussed how we can be more proactive in our communities, how ordinary people can practise active citizenship, and how small actions, checking in, offering support, making space for conversation, can help strengthen social trust.

There was a shared understanding around the table that dialogue is not only something for institutions or experts. It belongs to all of us.

Continuing the Journey

This second Common Table conversation reaffirmed why this series matters. It highlighted how dialogue, when paired with real community engagement, can create meaningful and lasting impact, particularly for young people navigating complex social realities.

We are deeply grateful to Brian Woods for sharing his experience, insight, and commitment to community-centred work. As The Common Table continues throughout 2026, we look forward to welcoming more voices, stories, and examples of dialogue in action.