Issue No. 59 | September 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
Annual General Meeting 2026
L-R (Back): Harry Walsh, Pamela O’Boyle, Sheena Duddy, Denise Donnellan, and Sam Birch. Front: John Cannon,
Noreen McGarry, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Donna Hyland, and Breege Joyce. Missing from photograph: Malcolm Cooney,
Seán O’Coisdealbha, Sinéad Cahalan, Oisín Gill, Mark Godfrey, and Michael Minassie.
South West Mayo Development Company held its Annual General Meeting on 17th September 2026, where board members were delighted to get a clean bill of health from auditors, RBK. 2025 was another progressive year for the company where we were approved two flagship funding awards for a European Innovation Partnership project (FARM-Up | Coimín Beo), and a Rural Regeneration Development Fund initiative on Inishturk Island. Together these grants totalled €2.56 million, and work is progressing well on both programmes. As part of our business as usual, the company achieved the following high-level outputs:
The outgoing Chairperson, Thomas Fitzpatrick commended the Board and staff on their work during 2025 said ‘None of our work is possible without the people on our Board and the people we employ. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated Board of volunteers and a staff of over 60 people who are committed to supporting people, businesses, and communities to reach their full potential.’
The meeting also saw the retirement of Noreen McGarry from our Board of Directors. A dedicated Board member for 13 years, Noreen first served on the Board as a community representative, and later as the disability representative through her role with Western Care Association.
Thomas made a presentation to Noreen on the night to acknowledge her valuable contribution to our company, saying, “On behalf of the Board and staff, I want to say a heartfelt thanks to Noreen for the hundreds of voluntary hours she gave to our Board, her advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, her community development approach, and belief in what we do as a company.”
At the end of the AGM, Thomas Fitzpatrick resigned from his role as SWMDC Chairperson and will remain on the Board for one year ex oficio.
Thomas Fitzpatrick making a presentation to Noreen McGarry as a token of our appreciation for her valuable contribution to SWMDC over the years.
SICAP Directory
The SICAP Directory is now live, you can view this interactive resource at https://ldcn.ie/sicap-map/
Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Conference hosted by TU Dublin
Olivia Kitterick, Enterprise and Social Enterprise Officer (SICAP), and Ann Marie Jordan, Ready to Work, were delighted to attend the Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Conference hosted by TU Dublin.
Olivia spoke on a panel exploring how systems, supports, and institutions can create better opportunities for disabled people pursuing self-employment. It was a great opportunity to share our experience of delivering the Entrepreneurship for Disabled People Course over the past two years and the positive impact it has achieved.
A highlight of the conference was hearing from an inspiring panel of disabled entrepreneurs whose stories and experiences reinforced the importance of creating more inclusive pathways to entrepreneurship.
A huge thank you to Thomas Cooney and his team for organising such a thought-provoking event and for advancing the conversation on narrowing the disability self-employment gap.
Mulranny Community Futures CARE Project Community Action for a Regenerative Environment
On Friday, 18 September, staff from SWMDC attended the Mulranny Community Futures event, ‘Community Action for a Regenerative Environment’.
The event brought together community groups and supporting organisations from across Mayo to share experiences, build connections and explore ways to address some of the challenges facing our natural environment.
During the event, Tony Hynes provided an update on the Social Employment Programmes, David O’Malley gave an overview of the LEADER Programme, and Gerard Caden spoke about FARM-Up | Coimin Beo, our EIP project.
The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local community groups from across Mayo, meet supporting organisations and share information on the programmes and supports available to communities.
Staff Updates
RIP
On behalf of South West Mayo Development Company, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our valued Rural Social Scheme participant, Michael Walsh of Ballinaya Ballinrobe. We would like to thank Michael for all of his years service to South West Mayo Development Company and to his local community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Farewell
Damian Hughes (Ready to Work Programme), is finishing in his role with South West Mayo at the end of September. We would like to extend our thanks to Damian for the dedication, hard work, and commitment he has shown throughout his time with us.
Since joining the team, Damian played a key role in establishing the foundations of the Ready to Work Programme, helping to shape and develop a programme that will continue to support participants into the future. While we are sorry to see Damian leave, we are grateful for all that he has achieved during his time with South West Mayo. We wish him every success, happiness, and fulfilment in his new role and in the next chapter of his career.
Wishing Damian farewell from members of the SWMDC staff team
Garden to Kitchen: 'Circular Living in Action’ Circular Economy Showcase
From Garden to Kitchen: Circular Living in Action’ Circular Economy Showcase took place on Thursday 10th September at Mayo Abbey Community and Training Centre.
The event highlighted the many ways in which circular living and sustainability can be put into practice at a local level.
Mary, Ger and the team at Mayo Abbey demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainability, showcasing how circular principles are integrated into their everyday activities. From their professional cookery school and organic gardens to their restaurant and workshops, the event offered a practical insight into circular living in action.
Delivered in collaboration with The Rediscovery Centre Circular Economy Incubator Hub, the showcase brought together people to share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore opportunities to promote more sustainable practices. It was a pleasure to work alongside Nóra Maddock and the Mayo Abbey team in organising and delivering the event.
Attendees also enjoyed a demonstration of traditional basket weaving by Tom Delaney of Ould Crafty, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional skills and promoting sustainable craftsmanship.
A special thanks goes to Thomas Murphy of Teem Lens Media for capturing the event through photography and videography.
The showcase was a wonderful example of how local initiatives can make a meaningful contribution to sustainability, strengthen community connections and encourage circular living. Through practical demonstrations, shared learning and collaboration, Mayo Abbey highlighted how local action can help bring about positive, lasting change.
LDCN National Conference 2026
Local Development Week 2026
Local Development Week 2026 takes place from 28th September to 2nd October, bringing communities across Ireland together to celebrate the people, projects and partnerships that create lasting change at a local level.
This year’s theme, Local Action, Lasting Impact, highlights the difference that can be made when local people have the support, resources and opportunities to shape their own communities.
See list of events taking place with the support of South West Mayo Development Company for Local Development Week 2026 here.
You can view the schedule of national events at https://ldcn.ie/local-development-week/.
Social Farming Awareness Week
Mayo Ideas Month 2026
Mayo Impact: Connect, Market, Increase Income
Engaging with Men Workshop
Autumn Staff Lunch at Gracy's
On Friday, 25 September, staff enjoyed an Autumn Lunch at Gracy’s, Westport House, Westport, providing a welcome opportunity to step away from their desks and busy schedules.
With pizza, burgers and fries on the menu, the afternoon was filled with good food, fun, laughter and plenty of conversation. It was a great opportunity for colleagues to catch up, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and informal setting.
Staff had a chance to unwind, strengthen connections and spend some quality time together outside the usual working environment, making for an enjoyable afternoon for all.
WEST X WEST FESTIVAL
The WEST X WEST Festival brings together 18 live performances of music, comedy and spoken word, alongside 50 speakers participating in nine panel discussions over two days in Castlebar, County Mayo.
The festival celebrates creativity, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections and explore opportunities to shape the future of the west of Ireland.
See full details at https://westxwest.ie
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism in Ireland Survey
Phone: 094 936 6692 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
