Baldoyle Forum Directors are volunteers from the community and play a vital role in guiding and overseeing the organisation. In 2021 three of our lovely Directors retired and two new lovely people were appointed.

However, the retiring Directors have joined the Events Sub-Committee and continue to work tirelessly for their community.

We greatly appreciate the work done by our Directors and welcome anyone interested in joining. 

Cathy Lawless – Chairperson ( October  2019 ) –  (Appointed March 2023)

My name is Catherine (Cathy) Lawless and I have had the pleasure of living in this great community since 1993. My working background is in insurance and since 2014 I own a mobile crazy golf business with my husband. Our mission with this is to keep communities active and we have been privileged to be able to bring it to nursing homes, schools, arch clubs and businesses.

Sonja Molenaar – (Appointed 08/02/22)

Qualified in GDPR, IT and Sales, I’ve worked in a number of roles that focus on customer experience and communication is one of my key strengths. I’m currently participating in the Generation IT Support programme and am keen to learn and develop new technical skills in the IT industry. Born and raised in Baldoyle, I love being involved in my community.

David Mitchell -(Appointed 10/ 05/22 ) 

David was manager of a Community Facility in Dublin before he joined the Fingal
County Council Community Department. Before that he worked for 8 years with nonprofit organisations for Mental Health, and before that he worked for 9 years with the construction industry. He has a Business Management Degree from TUD and coaches
GAA at the weekends.

Faisal Mirza – (Appointed 11/10/22)

Faisal is a Digital Marketing Consultant living in Baldoyle. As well as Digital
Marketing, Faisal has studied Social Behaviour, Politics, Journalism and
Charities. He looks after the media side of Homeless Charities as well as
organisations of Doctors in Ireland. He is helping the BFC team to develop a
wider reach through social media and has been a great support to our new
Communications Officer.

Samantha O’Flanagan- ( Appointed November 2023)

Maura Hooper- ( Appointed November 2023 ) 

Orlagh Murphy- ( Appointed January 2024 ) 

Retired Board Members 

Justyna Galuszka (Appointed 16/03/21)( Retired 2023) 

Currently studying a BSoc in Community & Youth Work at Maynooth University, I am a committed Community Activist involved in a variety of projects including Climate Ambassador 2020 – co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce with support from the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment.
I enjoy actively volunteering with Baldoyle Tidy Towns, Baldoyle Racecourse Community Garden, Wicklow Mountain Meiheal, Bull Island Action Group, The Afforestation project, the BSBI and The Herbal Bike.

Brian Greene – Chairperson from 12/10/21 (Retired 2023)

Brian is an expert in Community Media, Youth Services and Radio Broadcasting. He has been living in Baldoyle for over 25 years working with Baldoyle and Bayside Youth Clubs, various Community Radio Broadcasters and as a board member of the Mid-Sutton Community Centre. He hopes to develop the community identity of Baldoyle through sound and story and the activities that go on in the Community Hall.

Treasa Kerrigan – Chairperson to 12/10/21 (Retired 12/10/21)

Treasa is a Tour Guide and Archaeologist with an MSc in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture and B. Bus Hon in Entrepreneurship. She has lived in Baldoyle for the last 29 years and since retiring from the Board, volunteers on the Baldoyle Forum Events Sub-Committee to organise the 2022 Viking Festival.

Lesley Mulvey (Retired 14/12/21)

Lesley moved to Baldoyle 6 years ago and fell in love with the area. She set up the Baldoyle Community Events and the Baldoyle Arts & Crafts facebook page to help promote local crafts during lockdown. She worked all her life in book keeping, credit control and administration while bringing up her family. She now delights in her 5 grandchildren. After organising 7 Baldoyle Christmas Craft Fairs, Lesley has agreed to do one more for 2022!

Dermot Penrose (Retired 09/11/21) 

Dermot’s day job is as a Business Development Representative with Largo Foods but he also serves as the Chairperson of Baldoyle United Football Club with which he has a long history. “My work with Baldoyle Utd has opened my eyes to what can be achieved when people pull together. As someone born and bred in Baldoyle I would like to help shape its future.” Dermot is currently a member of the Baldoyle Forum Events Sub-Committee organising the 2022 Viking Festival.

Meet the Staff 

Heidi Bedell – Centre Manager

Heidi has been managing the Baldoyle Community Hall since 2014. She qualified as a Science teacher but joined the Community Sector in 2007. She has worked in a number of community organisations including Sonairte Ecology Centre, TARGET Adult Education centre, Donaghmede and Northside Partnership and Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland. She holds a Masters in Community Education, Equality and Social Activism and has a certificate in Charity Law, Governance and Trusteeship.

Joan Hopkins – Community Development Manager

Joan has 20 years’ experience working in Banking and Finance and holds a Masters Degree in Organisational Behaviour. Joan was born and raised in Baldoyle and is passionate about community development and making our communities more sustainable & livable. She grew up working in her family’s local business and also likes to support businesses within the community. In 2020 she set up the Baldoyle Tidy Towns and was co-opted to Fingal County Council.

Elizabeth ( Liz)  Turner- Events and Communications Officer 

Before joining the Baldoyle Community Hall team Liz worked for 10 years as a
Montessori teacher. She has experience in Sales, Sign Language, HR and Finance and is a qualified Life Skills Coach. She also set up and ran her own business.