On 12th November 2023, the DSCNE Board were delighted to be awarded Volunteer Group of the Year at the Monaghan Volunteer Awards.
Photography by MIAN Photography & Training.
OUR BOARD
MARTIN McBREEN
Chairperson
Martin is a founding member of DSCNE and has served as Chairperson since the group formed in 2017. He is a Qualified Financial Adviser, a member of Cavan Monaghan ETB and Chairperson of Knockbride GFC. Martin lives in Knockbride Co Cavan with his wife and 5 children, the youngest Grace has Down Syndrome.
MARY HALL
Secretary
Mary is a founding member of DSCNE and has served as Secretary and Project Co-ordinator since the group formed in 2017. Mary holds a Masters in Environmental, Health & Safety and Quality Management, as well as a Degree in Management Information Systems. Mary has a strong interest in community development and works as a project support contractor for local community & voluntary groups. Mary also sits on the board of the National Childhood Network and has been an active board member of various Early Years Services in the past. Mary lives in Monaghan with her husband and their three children, the youngest, Jack, has Down Syndrome .
ORLA MONAGHAN
Treasurer
Orla is a founding member of DSCNE and has served as Treasurer since the group formed in 2017.  Orla brings a wealth of knowledge to the role having worked in the financial/accounts/payroll area for over 20 years'. Orla lives in Cavan with her three children. Her youngest son Luke has Down Syndrome.
SINEAD FIDGEON
Board Member
Sinead is a founding member of DSCNE. She is a registered nurse and mum of 5 - the youngest being Grace who has Down Syndrome. She set up the charity “The Perfect Gift” in 2016 which sends gift baskets to new babies born in Ireland with Down Syndrome to celebrate their arrival! She lives in Knockbride, Cavan.
CYRIL KEEGAN MScHR, DipSHWW
Board Member
Cyril is a HR & Health and Safety Professional with 22 years’ experience. He provides expert services in both areas of these highly regulated professions. He has years of experience operating at board level as part of corporate executive teams and his strengths lie in providing effective leadership, guiding management on all HR & Health and Safety related matters, providing expert advice, ensuring best practice in all areas of people management in line with strategic objectives. Over the years Cyril has served on many boards and committees.
BRIDGET FINNEGAN
Board Member
Bridget is a Senior Educational Psychologist with 12 years’ experience in the areas of Autism and Intellectual Disability. Bridget holds a first-class honours degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, a Masters with Distinction in Atypical Child Development from Queens University Belfast, and a Professional Masters with Distinction in Educational Psychology from University College Dublin. Bridget has extensive experience in supporting children and families across home, school and community settings. She has worked for several years as a psychologist in Disability and Early Intervention Services, in both an assessment and intervention capacity. In addition, Bridget lectures on best practice in behaviour support on the Educational Psychology Doctorate program in UCD. Bridget's personal and professional interests include supporting wellbeing, Family Centred Practice, parental self-efficacy, attachment, and positive behaviour support.
NIKKI McGOOHAN
Board Member
Nikki is a business mentor and coach who has over 25 years of industry experience. She describes herself as a lifelong learner and has qualifications such as a Diploma in Business & Executive Coaching from The Coach Institute of Ireland, an Advanced Diploma in Employment Law from The Kings Inn, and a Diploma from Accounting Technicians Ireland. Nikki also teaches part-time with Cavan Monaghan ETB. She feels it is really important to give back to communities, so also sits on the Board of Youth Work Ireland in Meath and runs a local Foróige club in Cavan.
SARAH LARKIN
Board Member
Sarah is a qualified accountant with several years’ experience in the financial services sector. Sarah has worked for high profile organisations in areas such as audit and advisory, financial reporting and management accounting. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Masters in Accounting from University College Dublin. She is currently completing a Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance. Sarah lives in Carrickmacross with her husband and two young children.