Meet the Board

Nicola Quinn
Nicola is a community activist & grew up in St Michaels Estate and was once a young person attending the project.  She studied at Maynooth University and has a BA in Community & Youth work and an MA in Human Rights & Social Policy. She's been working with young people for almost 10 years now, currently as a full time youth worker in the North Inner City.

"I joined the board in 2015. My reasons for joining was to give back to a project that had been so significant in my life as a young person growing up in Inchicore"

"It’s an absolute privilege to be able to contribute to such an amazing service for young people. I really believe in the process of youth work and the positive impact it can have on young people".

Sinead Clancy

 

Having grown up in Ballyfermot, Sinead went to school until she was 14 and from there worked in numerous different types of jobs mainly in the service industry.  After completing a variety of evening classes, a growing awareness and interest in social inequalities sparked a return to formal education. In 2006, Sinead completed a B.A. in Sociology and Greek & Roman Civilisation. Sinead then went on to complete a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Youth and Community Studies. She started off with the Family Resource Centre, St. Michaels Estate as a volunteer, following a couple of years Sinead secured an 11 hour administration position with the centre. Sinead then secured a position of Community Development Worker with the Family Resource Centre. Her focus is on the Project Administration, Men’s Development and Senior Citizens. Sinead has been on the Board of the Core Youth Service for four years. Sinead is currently Secretary of the Board. Her connection with our project fosters a strong network between the local Community Development Project and the Youth Service.              

Sheila Farrelly

Eddie D’Arcy

Eddie has been a professional youth worker since the early 1980’s having worked in Coolure House Adventure Centre initially while studying at UCD and then as Assistant Director. Eddie moved to work as a community youth worker in Neilstown in 1983 and over in over 30 years service there developed the Ronanstown Youth Service. During his time in Ronanstown he developed the first Garda Youth Diversion Project. On leaving CYC when they were taken over by Crosscare in 2013, Eddie began lecturing on the Youth Work course in DKIT, and in 2015 he took on a role with Solas Project and became their CEO in 2016 while continuing to lecture. During his career in Youth Work Eddie also played an active role with NYCI including membership of the Board as both Vice President and President. He received an award from NYCI as part of their 25 years celebration for his role in developing Irish Youth Work and was also awarded the Dr John O’Connell Award in 2014 from NUI Maynooth. Eddie has served on a number of Government Task Forces over the years particularly in relation to the area of Youth Offending. He is the author of a text on Ethical Youth Work which was commissioned by NSETS for the Irish Youth Work students.

Janice McGarry
Janice Mc Garry worked in the youth sector for 20+ years as a youth work & manager. She currently works in the corporate sector managing a unique CSR programme called “Aspire2”. This programme aims to support students the get the best leaving cert possible & increase their opportunities for progression to third level and other firms of further education. Janice now offers a variety of Consultancy & trainings to support CDP in the Youth Sector, including Erasmus+ training & consultation

Michelle O'Kelly
Michelle O’ Kelly is currently the Principal of Mercy Secondary School Inchicore, Dublin 8. She's also a local resident, having grown up in St. Michaels Estate and now living on Emmet Road.

Michelle joined the Core Youth Service board in 2020.
"It was a real privilege to join such a committed and innovative board and to find ways that I could join them in their vision of supporting young people of Inchicore. Everyday I see first hand the impact that the project has on the young people in Mercy Inchicore and the wider community. They are an anchor in our community and the first port of call for many young people seeking advice and support. I hope that my passion for access to education and  my experience of growing up in Inchicore can contribute to the Core Youth Service continued success in supporting the young people of Inchicore"

"I really enjoy attending board meetings as I always learn something new and it gives me the space to look at the world through the lens of a young person. This gives me the energy and focus I need to carry out my own job as a principal".

Stacy Quinn
Stacy is a past participant of the project and now a board member. Having come through the project, as a young person, she enjoys being in a position to give back to youth project. Currently, Stacy is the treasurer of the board, she has a bachelors degree in Accounting & Finance and a masters degree in Accounting. She currently works in finance, so says
"it's great to be able to contribute to the project from my area of knowledge and skills".

Aoibhinn  Ni Shuilleabhain

Aoibhinn is a lecturer in Mathematics Education in UCD and has worked in education, both as a secondary school teacher and researcher for over 15 years. She is passionate about equity in education and has worked on a number of projects focused on supporting young people from areas that are designated as socio-economically disadvantaged. She is a well known science communicator and serves on a number of groups with the Department of Education. She is a former resident of Inchicore, having lived in the birthplace of the renowned artist Sean Scully on Thomas Davis Street West.

  Aoibhinn joined the board in 2021

 "It was a privilege to be invited to join the board of Core Youth. While I lived in Inchicore I was very cognisant of the vital work they do in the community and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this. I have always enjoyed working with young people and feel passionate about supporting every young person to achieve their potential. Inchicore has a wonderful community and I hope this can continue to be strengthened through the work and commitment of the team at Core Youth."