Our Team

We are fortunate to have a dedicated, experienced, and skilled team supporting our work with returning and recently returned Irish emigrants and delivering on our mission and vision.

KAREN MCHUGH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MARY ANN FADIAN 

COORDINATOR


NOREEN MULRINE

OUTREACH AND

ADVOCACY OFFICER

KAREN BOLLEN

OUTREACH AND

ADVOCACY OFFICER

JOHNNY B. BRODERICK

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Board of Directors

NOVA FARISS

CHAIRPERSON

ANN RODDY

TREASURER

Dr. PATRICIA CODYRE

COMPANY SECRETARY

TROY GALLAGHER

BOARD MEMBER

EDEL SHOVLIN

BOARD MEMBER

NIALL FOLEY

BOARD MEMBER

PAULINE GALLAGHER

BOARD MEMBER

Patron

Michael D. Higgins

PRESIDENT OF IRELAND


We are honoured and proud to have the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, as our Patron since 2012, and previous presidents (Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese) were also Patrons.


Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland on 11th November 2011 on 11th November 2018, he was inaugurated for a second term. A passionate political voice, a poet and writer, academic and statesman, human rights advocate, promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society, Michael D. Higgins has previously served at almost every level of public life in Ireland, including as Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.


It is an enormous honour for Safe Home Ireland and all whom we work with to have the President of Ireland as our Patron. President Higgins has, like many in Ireland, seen generations of his family emigrate, he has a strong interest and empathy for the Irish emigrant community worldwide.

Ambassador

Seán Keane


Seán Keane became our first Ambassador in May 2021. Seán is a household name to many, coming from a family with a long and rich tradition of music, song and dance in Co. Galway. Seán continues to advance the profile of Safe Home at home and abroad and has led many fundraising concerts and events for the charity.


“I was delighted to be asked to be an Ambassador for Safe Home Ireland. The work of Safe Home highlights a cause that is very dear to my heart, having been an emigrant myself, I got a first-hand insight into the myriad of mixed emotions of the Irish emigrant experience. From the good times of dance halls and friendships, to the loneliness and isolation faced by some who were forced to leave their home and loved ones behind.


It is a great pleasure for me to be able to work with Safe Home Ireland in recognising all Irish emigrants who left Ireland in the hope of finding a better life for themselves and their families. Most importantly, I am committed to helping, where I can, those who now wish to return home again”.


Seán Keane


Life President

Dr. Jerry Cowley


Dr. Jerry Cowley is the founder and former Chairperson of Safe Home Ireland.


In early 2000, together with other volunteers, Dr. Cowley had the vision to establish Ireland’s first national repatriation service, designed to support eligible older Irish emigrants in fulfilling their dream of returning to their native communities. Dr. Cowley’s own commitment to this cause was rooted in his deep understanding of the emotional and cultural ties that connect Irish people abroad to home. 


What began as a small pilot project grew into a globally recognised service, one that has enabled thousands of Irish emigrants to return home with dignity, care, and support.


On 7th April 2021, Dr. Cowley was appointed Life President of Safe Home Ireland and continues to inspire the organisation’s mission and values. His legacy lives on in the many lives touched by Safe Home Ireland, and in the simple, powerful idea ... that everyone deserves the chance to come home.

Friends of Safe Home Ireland

Friends of Safe Home Ireland (Friends) was established in January 2022 to support and strengthen the work of Safe Home Ireland by raising its profile both in Ireland and among Irish communities abroad. Through diverse networks and outreach events, Friends helps ensure that those who may need our services know who we are, what we do, and how to reach us.


In addition to raising awareness, Friends identifies and organises charity fundraising events and activities. The group also cultivates relationships with corporate partners and individual donors who wish to support our mission. Through these efforts, Friends plays an important role in helping Safe Home Ireland continue offering our vital services and supports to people returning or moving to Ireland, particularly those who are most in need.


Current Members

  • Ciarán Cannon
  • Teresa Cowley
  • Stephen Graham
  • Ann Lawler
  • Diarmuid McAuliffe
  • Paul Reardon 


If you would like more information, please get in touch

 

Photo  - some 'Friends' members at launch in Dublin in 2023:, Left to right; Loretta Gordon, Johnny B. Broderick, Ann Lawler, Pauline Gallagher, Diarmuid McAuliffe, Karen McHugh, Stephen Graham