Tom Kitterick

Community and Voluntary Pillar

I am passionate about community development and have a skill of bringing people together. I have the skills of applying for funding through experience and are interested in helping other communities.

Vacant Seat

Community and Voluntary Pillar

Graham Cawdell

Environmental Pillar

Graham is a retired hospital consultant who has had a lifelong interest in wildlife. He has been a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for over 60 years and is also a member of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and BirdWatch Ireland (BWI).  He was appointed as assistant secretary for BWI Mayo Branch in December 2021.

As a clinician Graham led gynaecological cancer and the colposcopy services for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals. He also performed a major role in postgraduate education within Mersey Deanery after being appointed as its first training programme director and later to the chair of the specialist training committee for obstetrics and gynaecology.

As a branch secretary for BWI he is responsible for its social media and administration.

Gemma Hensey

Environmental Pillar

Gemma this year collated and produced a book for four primary schools in Westport. She is actively involved in the local community in various ways and worked abroad for a year after retirement.

Gemma has been involved in various campaigns mainly to do with the environment. With a career as a careers guidance teacher she has plenty of experience of being innovative and organising events.

Sheila Hunt

Social Inclusion Pillar

Sheila wanted to serve as a secretariat member under social inclusion pillar as she feels that a lot of the work she undertakes in Kilmovee Community Housing is working with people who are marginalised, vulnerable and underrepresented in society. This centre provides social housing, services and supports for people often living in isolation, in very rural settings and who may have nobody to help them or give them support.

As communities develop and evolve it is important that people are included into communities and integrate in the community at all levels. She believes that everyone has a right to have a voice, be heard and have their wishes met and strives to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

Bretton Williams

Social Inclusion Pillar

I am recently retired after nearly 40 years in the IT sector.  I performed multiple roles over the years including managing people and projects requiring diplomacy, negotiation and collaboration with multiple players.  I enjoy mentoring people and for 2 years mentored and trained my replacement.  I also served on the Well-being Committee at my last employer to look after employee’s mental health through helping to organise relevant events and being a contact person as a Mental Health First Aider.

I am involved in my local community in the Men’s Shed as Assistant Public Relations Officer and an active member to support other men.

I would like to use my soft skills to help bring awareness and inclusivity to people involved in organisations considered part of the Social Inclusion Pillar.

Annette Maughan

Ballina MD 

Annette is a professional within the community development sector in North Mayo and is an active member of several community and voluntary organisations in the Ballina and Killala areas.

Annette is involved in sporting, environmental and social inclusion projects, groups and committees. She brings expertise in leadership, governance, financial management and community development.

Annette is keen to support the work of the PPN as she recognises the importance of community groups and organisations having an active say in the issues of the day that impact on them.

Vacant Seat

Ballina MD 

Noel Moran

Castlebar MD 

Extensive experience in project management, both through my work and in community involvement, working with different groups and people. I’ve developed strong organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills in professional settings as well as through volunteering. I’ve also been Secretary of Candle of Grace for the past four years, which has strengthened my ability to manage responsibilities and support a team.

Vacant Seat

Castlebar MD 

Vacant Seat

Claremorris/Swinford MD

Vacant Seat

Claremorris/Swinford MD 

Austin Francis O’Malley

Westport/Belmullet MD 

I have been a representative of the public on Mayo County Council for many years but retired five years ago.

I am passionate about community and especially social inclusion. I am the current chair of Louisburgh Area Mens Shed (LAMS).

Katriona Gillespie

Westport/Belmullet MD

I am a committed member of the Westport community with a strong background in collaboration, communication, and project coordination. Through my work in the Custom House Gallery, Westport and Mayo County Council, I have developed the ability to listen effectively, represent diverse perspectives, and I bring a proactive approach to supporting community initiatives. My experience working with community groups in the county has provided me with an understanding of the importance of inclusion, transparency, and accountability in local governance structures such as the PPN. I believe in ensuring that community voices are heard through the meaningful work of the PPN in their support for local groups, helping to strengthen community participation and representation across the county.