Meet the Team
Yvonne McKenna
Chief Executive Officer
Yvonne is focused on ensuring that the strategic priorities agreed by the Gaisce Council to safeguard the quality of the Award, grow its reach and increase awareness of Gaisce and the positive impact participation has on young people are delivered upon by the Gaisce team. Yvonne works with key stakeholders, including the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Áras an Uachtaráin and represents Gaisce nationally and internationally.
M: 085 142 4334
Avril Ryan
Operations Manager
Avril is a member of Gaisce’s senior management team with responsibility for the strategic direction of operations within the organisation. She leads and manages the operations team comprising of the development officers and trainers. Avril also works closely with key strategic stakeholders to build, deliver and extend the reach of the Gaisce programme.
T: 01 670 7007
M: 087 2533 528
Aoife Sweeney
Communications Manager
Aoife is a member of Gaisce’s senior management team with responsibility for developing and implementing a multi-platform communications strategy, that incorporates Events, Engagement, Internal/External Communications, Digital and Branding. Aoife also works closely with key stakeholders (internal and external) to create awareness of the organisation and the value of the Gaisce Awards.
T: 01 687 5282
M: 087 7142495
The Operations and Development Team
Marion Irwin-Gowran
Project Manager
Marion works towards introducing the Award to different organisations, and ensuring that the standards of the Award are maintained. She carries out PAL training around the country, and works closely with Gaisce Award Partners who are establishing the Award within their organisations. Marion also works to ensure that Gaisce – The President’s Award meets national frameworks and guidelines and is Gaisce’s Child Protection Officer.
Patricia Owens
Development Officer
Patricia is the Development Officer in Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, South County Dublin and Dublin City South: D2, D4, D6, D6w D8, D10, D12, D14, D16, D18. PALs in these areas can contact Patricia if they have any queries or require support.
M: 087 164 6661
Mary Yore
Development Officer
Mary is the Development Officer for Louth, Meath, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon. PALs in these areas can contact Mary if they have any queries or require support.
Thomas Carolan
Development Officer
Thomas is the Development Officer for Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Dublin West: D15, D20, D22 and D24. PALs in these areas can contact Thomas if they have any queries or require support.
M: 087 094 1466
Stephen Peers
Development Officer
Stephen is the Development Officer for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Stephen is currently on leave. Please contact the main office with any queries.
T: 01 617 1999
Marc Tuffy
Youth Justice Development Officer
Marc is our Youth Justice Development Officer. His role is to support Garda Youth Diversion Programmes (GYDPs), Probation Projects and other youth intervention services across the country in their Gaisce journey. If you are a PAL in the Youth Justice Sector or wish to find out more about running Gaisce in the Youth Justice Sector please contact Marc.
M: 087 339 3301
Niall Barrett
Development Officer
Niall is the Development Officer for Wicklow, Wexford, North County Dublin and Dublin City North: D1, D3, D5, D7, D9, D11, D13, D17. PALs in these areas can contact Niall if they have any queries or require support.
M: 087-9322314
The Communications Team
Holly Furlong
Events & Engagement Officer
Holly is our Events & Engagement Officer and is responsible for planning all Gaisce events and engagement with participants, President’s Award Leaders and Gaisce Award Partners. Events include training and information sessions as well as the Silver and Gold Award ceremonies. If you have a question regarding a Gaisce event, feel free to contact Holly.
T: 01 670 7001
Kate Morgan
Marketing & Communications Officer
Kate works with the Marketing & Communications team and oversees Gaisce’s social media presence and digital marketing strategy. She is also charged with gathering and creating content around the Gaisce programme and managing Gaisce’s website.
T: 01 670 7009
The Administration Team
Eibhlín O Hara
Office Manager
Eibhlín is the Office Manager and oversees the distribution of certificates and medals as well as running a busy office.
Maria Leavy
Office Administrator
Maria primarily works on the PAL application process in addition to offering support to PALs on the Gaisce online system.
Josh Kennedy
Office Administrator
Josh works within the administration team providing support to PALs and colleagues ensuring that the administrative activities within Gaisce run smoothly and efficiently.
T: 01 482 6982
Alex Davis
Senior Administrator
Alex is Gaisce’s Senior Administrator with responsibility for Governance, Administration of data systems, and reporting.
T: 01 6707005
Hannah Smolenska
Office Administrator
Hannah works within the administration team providing support to colleagues and ensuring that the administrative activities within Gaisce run smoothly and efficiently.
