Youth Spaces Team

GRACE BURKE

GRACE BURKE

Youth Work Coordinator

Role Description: I am responsible for coordinating the youth work programmes and the day to day running of youth clubs and ensuring to maintain high standards and quality work in clubs/programmes. I am responsible for understanding the changing needs of the young people and community and ensuring we adjust and adapt our clubs/programmes to these needs. 

Best part of your job: Meeting with young people and connecting with them and their families to see what else we can do in the Y to help. Also watching young people grow and develop is amazing to witness!

How long have you been working in the Y: Since August 2021.

What do you like to do in your free time: I love to travel, you will find me booking last minute flights to spend 24 hours in a city! I also love cooking and going for walks.

TONY McFARLANE

TONY McFARLANE

Primary School Youth Worker

Role Description: My role is to develop and facilitate programmes and activities for young people, helping them to build life skills, develop healthy relationships and make decisions that are right for them.

Best part of your job: The best part of my job is the joy of working with young people, it is always different and no day is the same. Each young person is unique, they bring their own life experience, needs and expectations and you get to see them develop and grow.

How long have you been working in the Y: I joined the YMCA in 2015

What do you like to do in your free time: In my spare time I like to spend time with friends, play video games, draw, and get out into nature along with drinking copious amounts of tea, anyone who works with me knows I always have a cup of tea with me.

MAGO GANTLEY

MAGO GANTLEY

Homework Club Support Work

Role Description: Delivering Youth Work Programmes

Best part of your job: Getting to work with the young people and engaging with them through different activities

How long have you been working in the Y: Over 20 years!

What do you like to do in your free time: Weekends Away, minding the mother and helping the locals!

ERIN REDDY

ERIN REDDY

Teen Support Youth Worker

Best part of your job: The best part of my job is having a laugh with the young people.

How long have you been working in the Y: I’ve been working in the y since the end of sept ’19.

What do you like to do in your free time: I spend my free time with my friends or watching movies.

MARIE KENNY

MARIE KENNY

Alternative Suspension & Youth Services Support Worker

Role Description: To work as part of the Alternative Suspension and Youth Work departments delivering programmes and supporting young people to help them reach their educational and personal goals.

Best part of your job: Having the opportunity to make even a small difference in a young person’s life.

How long have you been working in the Y: I’ve been working at the YMCA since september 2021.

What do you like to do in your free time: I like to stay active and on my feet so I spend most of my free time dancing and training. I also like to travel as often as I can.

JOANNE GANNON

JOANNE GANNON

PlusOne Support Worker

Role description: As a PlusOne support worker, I am responsible for meeting with new referrals and getting them started in the PlusOne programme. I am responsible for monitoring the progress of young people. I facilitate our PlusOne evenings and make sure everything is set up each evening.

Best part of your role: Getting to know young people and having an influence on their lives while helping guide them in a better direction. Learning from young people and developing my skills.

How long have you been working at the Y: Since October 22

What do you like to do in your spare time: I like to play camogie, travel and spend time with my friends.

WESLEY SMITH

WESLEY SMITH

Réidh / Outreach Support Worker

Role Description: My role involves working within the Youth Spaces, with my time divided between Outreach and assisting with implementation of the exciting and innovative Réidh Program.

Best part of your job:I love to see the connection that is shared between the young people and the youth workers and I admire the safety of the space they share at the Y

How long have you been working in the Y: In the Y since October 2022.

What do you like to do in your free time: I have many interests when I’m not at work. I love to spend time with my family and swimming with our daughter. I am studying part time and to unwind I love to jam on my bass guitar. I also enjoy the odd game of soccer when I can.