A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Project Coordinator
cdickinson@bearawest.ie
0860223398

I’m Claire, the Project Co-ordinator at Beara West. I started in 2017 as a project administrator and stepped into my current role in 2020. I studied Youth, Community, and Family Studies at NUIG and love supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. My work involves admin, planning, and direct support for families and individuals.

I grew up in Castletownbere, played sport locally and for my county, and returned home in 2012 after working in Cork and Australia. I now live with my husband and our three kids, and I’m grateful to do work I love in a place I care deeply about.

Support Development Worker
jkelly@bearawest.ie
083 1135077

I’m Joanne, born and raised in Castletownbere, and I joined Beara West in June 2024. In 2023, I returned to college to study Youth and Community Work part-time at UCC, inspired by my involvement in local community initiatives since 2019.

With a background in the service industry, shifting into community work has been incredibly rewarding. As a Support Development Worker, I’m passionate about making a difference and love being part of such a supportive team.

Outside of work, I’m married with two children and enjoy walking my dog, playing cards, and getting stuck into a good board game or quiz, especially if there’s a bit of friendly competition!

Family Support Worker
ckelleher@bearawest.ie
083 1599748

I’m Claire, the Family Support Worker at Beara West since June 2021. I work Monday to Friday and studied Applied Social Studies in Social Care. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and feel lucky to support people directly in this role.

Before joining Beara West, I worked in a nursing home, a crèche, and with CoAction in Bantry. Originally from Macroom, I moved to Beara in 2021. Outside of work, I help out on the farm, love all things health and fitness, and spend as much time outdoors as I can. One fun fact, I won the Flower of Macroom in 2015!

Support Development Worker
aoneill@bearawest.ie
086 7806093

Hi, I’m Annie. I joined Beara West as the Support Development worker in December 2025, having returned to college in 2023 to study Youth and Community Development in UCC.

Outside of the centre, I also run my own small horse-riding business, teaching children and adults, taking visitors on local treks and trails, and also delivering equine therapeutic sessions, I have a background in Equine Business and hold a Bachelor of Business degree from Athlone Institute of Technology.

I was born and raised in Castletownbere and now live here with my husband and two children.

In my spare time, you’ll often find me at a horse show, event, fair, or anything farm-related with the family. I also love going to the gym and enjoy a good trad session whenever I get the chance.

Project Worker for Older People
mdunne@bearawest.ie
086 8560319

I’m Moira, and I’ve been working at Beara West since August 2021. I have a degree in Social Care from Cork Institute of Technology and over 10 years’ experience working and volunteering across the community, voluntary, and charitable sectors. My background includes roles in child, youth, disability, and elder care.

Here at Beara West, I work as the Project Worker for Older People. I’ve built strong connections across the community and love being part of the work that supports wellbeing in the area. Outside of work, I enjoy walking, baking, and anything creative.

Receptionist
ccronin@bearawest.ie 

Hi, I’m Claire, I’ve been living in Castletownbere for 20 years since getting married and we now have three teenagers! I’m originally from Castlehaven near Skibbereen and joined Beara West in September 2022.

I work part-time as the receptionist on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and also look after payroll on Tuesday mornings. My role involves welcoming visitors, answering calls, and handling general enquiries. I also support services like Meals on Wheels, Care Call, and Rhythm Room. I love working with people and feel lucky to be part of such a supportive, community-focused team.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, art, and keeping up with current affairs. I’m constantly in awe of the beauty of the Beara Peninsula!

Family Carers Development Worker
swolverson@bearawest.ie
083 1125299

I’m Sharon, originally from Dublin. I previously worked for many years within the Financial Services sector in Dublin and moved to beautiful West Cork in 2013 with my husband.

Since 2013, I have enjoyed working in many roles in West Cork, including Citizens Information, West Cork Carers Support Group, the Social Welfare Office, and West Cork Development Partnership, to name but a few.

As a former carer myself, I am passionate about supporting carers within the community. I work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — so please feel free to contact me or pop in for a coffee and a chat. I’ll have the kettle on.

In my free time, I enjoy walking, hiking, music, and trawling through the charity shops of West Cork for bargains. I particularly love all things creative and enjoy learning new skills in this area.

ecarolan@bearawestfrc.ie

I am Emma, I moved to Beara in 2023 and I’ve been in the Family Resource Centre since 2024.  I have been a Legal Secretary, a Chef, Baker, Arts Administrator, and a Social Media Manager!  I am now studying the Youth and Community Diploma in UCC.  I have been involved in Community Work for many years, and I have organised craft markets, workshops, fairs and festivals.  I love to be creative and I am involved locally in committees, classes and music groups.  

Relocating to Beara has been a great move.  I find this a very friendly, beautiful and fun place to live.  Working at the Family Resource Centre has tied many of my interests together and it is a fantastic way to get to know local people and the community while putting my studies to good practice.  I can say, I am happy.

I'm Jobe, I was born in cork and lived abroad for most of my childhood. I returned and moved down to Beara in 2012 with my family. I have been a part of the community for a decade and a half. I have worked various positions within the community. I studied computers in college. Ranging from maintenance, web design, graphic design, communications.

Being part of this community has been an amazing experience, from how friendly to helpful everyone is. It is wonderful to be in a position to give back. In my free time I like to stay physically active by walking & weight-lifting. I enjoy music and cooking. I'm a full-time cat parent.

Chairperson
chairperson@bearawest.ie

I’m Niamh and I’ve been part of Beara West FRC since the end of 2019. I’ve lived and worked in Castletownbere all my life, raising my two children here. With over 20 years in childcare and education, most of which as a Special Needs Assistant, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life.

I’m also involved in various voluntary groups, always keen to give back. I love being part of the team at Beara West, where I continue to learn from the passion and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and Board, all of whom embody the values of family, community, and support.

Board Member
ebutler@bearawest.ie

I’m Edmund, born in Dublin in 1959, and I’ve been a permanent resident of Beara since 2023, though I’ve been visiting since 1999! I joined the Beara West board in May 2024.

I graduated from UCD in 1980, qualified as a Solicitor in 1984, and helped establish a commercial law firm in 1988, where I served in various leadership roles until 2017. Since 2018, I’ve volunteered with a helpline for solicitors in difficulty.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about sailing, cycling, skiing, and outdoor activities, and have volunteered in children’s sailing, including as President of IODAI from 2005 to 2007.

Secretary
bosullivan@bearawest.ie

I’m Brendan and I joined the Beara West board in April 2024. With over 20 years in customer service, process improvement, and operational management, I currently work as a Senior Executive Officer with HSE in the Communications Division.

I joined the board to apply my skills in putting the service user at the heart of every decision. I’m excited to work with the team to promote the centre’s work.

Originally from Urhan, I returned to Beara in 2019 with my husband, Peter, and look forward to enjoying country life for years to come.

Treasurer
treasurer@bearawest.ie

I’m Tom and I own a holiday property in Filane, near the Golf Course. My career was in the chemical factory industry, where I held various roles in Production. I also served for fifteen years as a board member of my local Ballinlough Credit Union. While the work was different from that of a Resource Centre, I found many similarities in terms of community focus and service.

I’ve always been interested in the history and people of Beara and have grown increasingly involved in the local community. I’m excited to learn more about the valuable services the Centre provides and contribute where I can.

Vice Treasurer
hosullivan@bearawest.ie

My name is Hilda, and I live in Cahermore, in the parish of Allihies. I grew up in Castletownbere and later studied Business and Accounting in Cork. After completing my studies, I travelled with my daughter, spending time in America, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. On returning, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked in Cork before returning to Beara. With remote work still uncommon, I transitioned into teaching at the local secondary school, where I stayed until the pandemic.

In 2024, I joined the board of Beara West Family Resource Centre, drawn by the Centre’s vital role in supporting the local community. With a background in business, education, and homemaking, I’m excited to contribute to its continued success and to support the amazing work being done in Beara.