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.

Family Support & Community Development Worker
tmcquaid@bearawest.ie
086 7806093

I’m Trudy, and I’ve been with Beara West since 2021, originally as the Family Support & Community Development Worker. I grew up on the Beara Peninsula, and what I love most is connecting with people in the local community and offering a listening ear.

Before moving home, I worked in Cork City with charities like Cork Simon, Barnardos, and Enable Ireland. I studied psychology at UCC, but my passion for working with people began much earlier, volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul as a student in Beara Community School. Outside of work, you’ll often find me out for a run or braving a sea swim in Allihies!

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!

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!

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.

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 Carers Development Worker
lodriscoll@bearawest.ie
083 1125299

I’m Liz, originally from Cork City. I left in 1985 to study in London, with plans to return soon but it took 32 years before I made my way back! I’ve since found my home on the beautiful Beara Peninsula, where I love swimming in the stunning blue sea.

I worked at Beara West Family Resource Centre on a temporary contract from May 2023 to July 2024, and I’m thrilled to be back in the role of Family Carers Development Worker. I look forward to meeting and supporting the carers in Beara West, advocating for their needs, and being part of this amazing community.

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.

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.