PPN Secretariat

The PPN Secretariat is a 11 member ‘steering group’ which oversees the workings of the PPN and acts as an administrative and communication mechanism for Galway County PPN. The 11 members of the PPN Secretariat were elected by the members of the PPN and held their first meeting in January of 2015.
Vincent Lyons
[email protected]
Municipal District:
Oranmore/Athenry
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Member and Former Treasurer of the Executive of Galway County Community Forum and now chairman of Galway County PPN Secretariat. Current Treasurer of Claregalway Community  Development Association and Treasurer of Claregalway Tidy Towns having been pervious chairman of both organisations.
Jarlath P. Canney
[email protected]
Municipal District:
Tuam
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Secretary & Founder Director of Action Tuam CLG, currently Company secretary A founder Director & Chairperson of the Mall Theatre & Cinema, PPN representative Director on the board of Galway rural Development Co. Ltd., Other Community activities include preservation of Tuam Railway Station Sexton & Curator, St. Mary’s (C of I) Cathedral in Tuam.
Carmel McGrath
[email protected]

Electoral College: Community and Voluntary Pillar

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(Kilkerrin Development Company), Carmel has worked in the Medical Technology industry supporting education and the development of medical device technology. Carmel’s experience in the community sector is extensive. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated community volunteer in the village of Barnaderg & the parish of Killererin. Carmel has also been involved in setting up a youth-club and participated in Tuam dioceses ‘No Name Club’. Since moving to Barnaderg/Killererin, Carmel has initiated the Parents Association in Barnaderg National School and later became a member of the Board of Management.
Dan Dowling
[email protected]
Municipal District:
Ballinasloe
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Vice Chairperson and member of Executive of Ballinasloe Training For Employment ( Community Employment Scheme )Member and Vice Chairperson of Galway County Council LCDC,  Director of Ballinasloe Area Community Development Ltd,Member of Creagh Community Council,  Member of Ballinasloe Tidy Town Committee Chairperson and delegate to County Executive of Creagh Branch IFA
Martin Ward
[email protected]

Electoral College: Social Inclusion

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Member of PPN Secretariat, Western Traveller Intercultural Development Committee, Local Community Development Committee, MAABS Committee, National Traveller Roma Integration Strategy, Local Traveller Accommodation Consultation Committee & Parkmore Residents Assoc, Tuam. Chairperson of INVOLVE Youth Service
Maria Heneghan
[email protected]
Electoral College:
Community & Voluntary
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I worked as a Teagasc Advisor at county level, before becoming a National specialist in Rural Development with a specific focus on Rural Tourism based in Athenry.

Community Development experience
My experience is significant from my work with Teagasc and with my community

Galway Rural Development (GRD)
I represent Galway County PPN on the board of GRD and GRDs Executive Committee

Structural Review of the PPNs 2021/2022 by Dept Rural and Community Development (DRCD) I participated on the working group examining recommendations of the review

Ballyglunin Station — Board Member

I am a founding member of the Ballyglunin Station restoration project (Castletown in the Quiet Man Film). I am a proud Director since the company was formed in 2014. To date over €1.5M is invested in its restoration. Our most recent project is the development of a Community Plan ensuring inclusivity and that the needs of the community are addressed, funded by GRD

The Wheel
Board member 2017 – 2023

The National Association representing charities, community groups and social enterprises

An Taisce Green Flag Awards

I adjudicate Community groups and Parks in Ireland for the International Green Flag Award.

Aodán Mac Donncha
[email protected]

Municipal District: Conamara

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Aodán has been involved with community development in the Furbo to Rosamhíl / Aran Islands areas for over 20 years. He is the manager of Comhlacht Forbartha an Spidéil teo (local development co.). He is involved and committed to various voluntary campaigns and voluntary committees as well as daily community work.

Tá Aodán ina chonaí gar don Spidéal le 40 bliain anuas, agus baint aige le Forbairt Pobal i gCeantar Chois Fharraige agus Oileán Árann le 20 bliain anuas.  Ta sé ina bhainisteoir de Chomhlacht Forbartha an Spidéil Teo.

Maura Canning
[email protected]

Municipal District: Loughrea

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George Francis
George Francis
[email protected]
Electoral College: Social Inclusion
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Founder Member and Former President of the Ballinasloe Indian Cultural Community. Secretary of Ballinasloe Badminton Club.

George is a nurse by profession.

Martina Finn
[email protected]
Electoral College: Environmental
Patrick McHugh
[email protected]

Electoral College: Environmental