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Seán Cooke is the Chief Executive Officer of the Men’s Development Network and has been since October 2018.
As Chief Executive Officer, Seán is responsible for the overall strategic and operational management of the organisation, including full responsibility for staff and budgetary management, implementation of strategy and supporting the board. He is also the official spokesperson for the Men’s Development Network, responsible for external relations and corporate affairs.
The Men’s Development Network is regularly asked by various government departments or agencies to represent Men on advisory or consultative fora and/or at conferences, both national and international, and in these spaces, I advance the policy positions of our organisation.
Seán’s primary degree was in Communications Studies with a Masters in Community Development. He has over 30 years’ experience working in Community and Voluntary sector both at front line and senior management level. Previous experiences included working in Community and Youth Development, Project Management of major community based capital projects and as a local development consultant.
Email: sean@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 781 5605
Lorcan Brennan is Training & Resource Development Manager.
He has almost two decades’ experience in the work that has included engaging with men, supporting the development of gender-sensitive training resources, informing men’s health policy, and mentoring and facilitating training with frontline service providers nationally.
Lorcan has been centrally involved in the Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme partnership.
He continues to support key men’s health initiatives focused on cancer prevention, engaging young and middle-aged men around mental health, international Men’s Health Week, the Irish Men’s Shed’s – Sheds for Life Programme, and Traveller men’s health matters.
Lorcan is an experienced broadcaster and has presented radio programmes highlighting issues impacting on men’s lives through MDN’s ‘Coming Into View’ radio programme.
Email: lorcan@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 361 9884
Dr Kenny Doyle is Head of programmes for Men’s Development Network. His PhD research ‘Assessing Ireland’s Pathways to Work: the impact of behavioural conditionality and sanctions’ examined the lived of experience of unemployed people in Ireland under the various forms of labour market activation schemes.
Kenny has presented his work at national and international conferences and has published a number journal articles and think pieces related to his research. His work with MDN so far has involved carrying out the Men’s Attitudes Now (MAN) survey and of writing policy submissions.
He is currently working on the White Ribbon Campaign and on the forthcoming State of the World’s Fathers international research project.
Email: kenny@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 208 3241
Joyce O’Sullivan works as the client supports manager for the Men’s Development Network. She is the primary point of contact for client services between the Company and those with whom it has contracts. She leads the client services programme encompassing MAL, MEND, and Client support Outreach, and oversees the successful development and implementation of the organisation’s Strategic Plans.
Joyce has a degree in Theology and Sociology, with a post-grad diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She holds qualifications in Clinical Pastoral Education and is accredited as a healthcare chaplain. She has extensively worked across all areas of support within her role as a Pastoral Care Worker and Chaplain in numerous healthcare settings. Joyce is qualified as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist holding a master’s degree in this field.
Joyce has experience working with the vulnerable, patient advocacy, and counselling.
Email: joyce@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 208 3223
Currently Michael is the Manager of the MEND (Men Ending Domestic Abuse) Programme that covers Carlow/Kilkenny, Laois/Offaly, Kildare, Waterford, Wexford, South Tipperary, Wicklow and soon West Waterford. He previously held several positions within MDN: Coordinator of the MEND Programmes in Carlow/Kilkenny, Laois/Offaly and Kildare, NMHP Administrator, Engage National Men’s Health Training Co-ordinator, Company Secretary, Compliance Officer and the Campaign, Events and Office Manager.
Michael has been working full-time with MDN since 2014, but his involvement stretches back to our foundation in 1997.
Michael has vast experience both from the corporate and social sectors, currently studying level 9 Master of Arts in Gestalt Psychotherapy, he holds a Level 8 award in Facilitating Domestic Violence Intervention Programmes with Men and Level 8 Certificate in Prevention Partnership and Family Support, Honours level 7 Dip. in Youth and Community Work from UCC, National Certificate in Business and People Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management. He also holds a National Certificate in Business Studies (Business Enterprise Development) from Waterford IT.
Michael works from a person-centred approach to enable people to recognise and develop their strengths and abilities to live a healthy fulfilling life.
Email: michael@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 087 716 8674
Fredrick is the White Ribbon Manager and is tasked with the overall responsibility for the day-to-day running and implementation of the White Ribbon Programme.
Fredrick has previously worked in different programmatic capacities for KYMCA, UN Women and NDI. Crucially, in UN Women, he spearheaded the development of a knowledge product – the Electoral Gender-Based Violence (EGBV) manual that the Kenyan electoral body (IEBC) used in sensitizing duty bearers and stakeholders in responding to EGBV concerns. He further successfully, in collaboration with NDI, established county-based youth advocacy groups in six counties whose objective was to ensure the inclusion of youth in county development processes. He also previously worked as a Client Support Worker at MDN and doubled up as a consultant for the White Ribbon Programme where he developed one of the learning modules for the E-Learning programme.
Fredrick holds a Master’s degree in Gender, Politics and IR (MA), University College Dublin, Ireland and a Bachelor’s degree in Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University. His professional interests are embedded in gender equality and social inclusion, minority and marginalized groups’ rights, governance, capacity building, and advocacy and lobbying.
Email: fredrick@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 415 0318
Daniela is the Service Delivery Manager.
Her recent experience working with the White Ribbon project is an expression of her passion and commitment to making a difference in Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence prevention. She was proud to see the White Ribbon accreditation programme for workplaces come to life and start gaining momentum during her time with the project.
Some of the strengths and skills she brings to her Service Delivery Manager role include a strong belief in a collaborative approach to her work, where the needs and goals of clients, participants, and colleagues alike are an integral part of the design and delivery of the service. The result has a human and holistic dimension to it, with a strong person-centred and strength-based focus. Her experience in innovation and change management was gained over the years by working on a variety of projects involving ‘hard to reach’ audiences using flexible and creative engagement strategies.
She has also worked on initiatives, education programmes, and campaigns focusing on mental health awareness and education, including work on supporting men’s mental health. Lived experience, empowerment, and their development into leadership skills have been the basis for her professional journey.
Email: daniela@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: : 086 201 6460
Stephen is the On Feirm Ground Programme Coordinator.
Stephen holds a Masters in Adult and Community Education from Maynooth University, Ireland. He has over 7 years of experience facilitating and developing training resources within the Adult and community development sector. He has served as a consultant with ActionAid Denmark where he was involved in developing training resources and facilitating online and face-to-face training of experts and a wider audience on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) processes. He has also worked as a cultural Orientation trainer, senior Adult Education instructor, voter education and partnerships officer and as a Training coordinator.
Stephen is passionate about people and unleashing the potential that they have to become great. He is particularly interested in lifelong learning and how it equips communities and individuals with skills, knowledge and attitudes to tackle contemporary issues such as growing inequality. He enjoys nature, travelling and exploring cultures.
Email: stephenm@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 4154 105
Marie is Coordinator of the MEND (Men Ending Domestic Violence) Programmes in Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. She has a background in Community Education and is an experienced Facilitator and Project Coordinator.
Marie brings transferable skills from past employment, in Community Development, Community Education, volunteering as well as sports coaching.
With a degree in Community Development and Education from South East Technological University, Marie has a passion for this challenging and diverse work in behavioural change for men and striving for better lives for all.
Email: marie@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 087 3180156
Stephen is the Communications Officer at the Men’s Development Network. He oversees the management of all MDN digital and social media channels. He joined the team in 2023 and has added his creative flair to the digital content produced by MDN. Stephen is also the first point of contact for media enquiries and can be contacted using the details below.
Stephen is a big advocate for improving men’s mental health and wellbeing, he takes part in the annual Movember campaign, arranging “Mo-Ments” online and in his local area. He works with local community organisations and his work has always been based on improvement.
Stephen studied interactive media in college, before completing his degree in Video and Photography. He then went on to achieve a Master’s degree in Documentary Film Making. He has completed a QQI level 6 in Sustainability and Global Development, where he focused his studies on Misinformation and the negative impacts of social media on society.
Email: stephen@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 012 5496
Joe is a Waterford IT graduate holding degrees in both Business and Horticulture. His background includes sales and marketing in social enterprises as well as being on the board of directors for family resource centres in Waterford and providing administrative and marketing assistance for various programmes within FRCs.
Joe provides administrative support to MDN across a varied range of programmes and projects.
Email: joe@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 027 4954
Derek is Coordinator of the MDN Counselling Programme and is also the Supervisor of the Male Advice Line.
He is a fully accredited counsellor with the IACP and has a degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, plus a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Modern English Literature.
Derek has also extensive experience in the field of addiction.
Email: derek@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 859 0983
John is a qualified integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with nine years’ experience working with people of various backgrounds and presenting issues.
He works using a person-centred approach that is individually tailored to meet specific clients’ needs. Before joining Men’s Development Network John held counselling roles with Pieta House and the Cari Foundation as well as other previous voluntary and community-based therapy positions.
John has six years’ experience working in telephone and helpline support.
Email: johnk@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 458 6319
Deborah is the Financial Administrator for Men’s Development Network, with a BA in Accounting. She spent over fifteen years working in industry, with extensive experience in business management, accounting and bookkeeping. She deals with the financial functioning of the MDN organisation.
Deborah is on the Waterford Mental Health Association committee as Deputy Treasurer, Waterford WRAP Network committee, a volunteer with Waterford Befriending Service and a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator.
Email: accounts@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 051 844260
Róisín is the White Ribbon Project Officer and oversees the White Ribbon Post Primary School’s Programme, the White Ribbon’s Organisation’s Programme and the Game Changer Initiative in conjunction with Ruhama and the GAA.
Róisín holds an MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights from the University of Galway, during which she focused on research and study on Gender Based Violence, and published research relating to constructions of narratives in online spaces regarding a publicised gender-based-violence court case.
Working previously as a copy-editor for the University of Galway’s Department of Women’s Studies graduate journal Dearcadh allowed for a critical eye when it comes to emerging research on the topic of GBV, and also the necessity to bridge research and work with communities.
Previously a Training and Development Officer on the Men’s Development Network’s “On Ferim Ground 2” programme, Róisín is adept in facilitation skills and creating group safety to navigate difficult topics such as masculinities, mental health issues and self-care.
Her passion is working towards gender equality and substantive change in reducing GBV through education, awareness raising and community engagement.
Email: roisinc@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 899 2844
Sara is the Men’s Leadership Training and Support Officer with Men’s Development Network. She is responsible for the successful development of the Men’s Leadership programme, for its delivery, and for supporting a network of men’s leaders. Sara has an MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights from the University of Galway having completed a BA in interlinguistic and intercultural mediation. She has experience working as a political educator around topics such as Gender Justice, Global Justice and Anti-Discrimination, Climate Justice and Antimilitarism.
She is skilled in facilitating and mediating within intersectional settings, fostering collaboration among individuals from varying backgrounds. Sara is very passionate about gender equality and the need to engage with masculinities, the way they are constructed and the impact they have on men and their sense of identity.
Email: sara@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 201 6461
Ivan Almassri is the Facilitator Support and Training Development Officer. At the MEND Programme level, she is responsible for re-designing and developing current Training Programmes with the MDN Clinical Services and providing clinical oversight and Support to Facilitators and Partner Support Workers’ development programmes.
At the Training Development Level, Ivan is responsible for supporting facilitators in tracking, documenting, and reporting quality levels, identifying core training needs of facilitators and partner support organisations, recruiting individuals to provide appropriate inputs in the DVIP training programmes, contributing to the development of the National DVIP intervention model and adapt the training framework to accommodate any changes and coordinating the delivery of a number of training programmes including: SETU Level 8 Facilitator training programme, Annual Choices training event, Regional and individual organisation facilitator training.
Ivan coordinates shadowing placements and provides support as required where appropriate, manages the delivery of all training requirements for facilitators, staff and partner support agents, consolidates the existing relationship with third-level institutions, provides training and support to programme teams on systems, policies, procedures, and core processes, manages the Practice Supervision framework currently implemented by MI and MDN, provide Supervision to Practice Supervisors supporting facilitators under-taking groupwork programmes with men who are abusive to their partners and contributes to the development of the National DVIP intervention model and adapt the supervision framework to accommodate any changes.
As Facilitator Support, Ivan engages with Programme Facilitators, Partner Support Workers, Male Advice Line Workers and MDN Counsellors regarding MDN Policies, programme materials, access to CRM, issues to do with the Recording of sessions for Practice Supervision, access to Moment App, implements training regarding best practice on client records, record keeping and filing systems on the Men’s Development Network’s CRM system. Compiling statistics and making quarterly reports to the MDN Director of Services (Client Support) and compiling an annual report in terms of the men and women engaging with MEND. Ivan also supports the initial induction of new staff or contracted workers into the Men’s Development Network, screening client intake and referring, supports the further integration of the 3 Client Services of Mend, Counselling Services and Male Advice Line (MAL).
An International Education and Training expert, Ivan holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Management & Policy from Trinity College, Dublin. She has served as Education and Training support, communication, monitoring, and evaluation in one of the United Nations organizations Education Programme. She has fourteen years of experience in training and working with international students and staff in the implementation of capacity-building programmes in the Middle East. She has also worked with humanitarian and development community level.
Ivan has experience of gender equality and mainstreaming, sustainable development, human rights-based approaches, communication, coordination, translation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Email: ivan@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 806 2417
Dr. Jordan Kirwan is the Project Development Officer for Research, Policy, and Advocacy at the Men’s Development Network. He holds a PhD from South East Technological University, where his research focused on academia as a site for social activism. Through participatory action research, Jordan’s work provided actionable steps for institutional hierarchies and policymakers to protect the principle of academic freedom while promoting equity and social justice.
Jordan has published extensively on topics including the lived experiences of academic-activists, reflective pieces on navigating the intersection of academia and activism, and commentary on government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions are grounded in both scholarly research and real-world applications.
Before transitioning to his current role, Jordan gained valuable experience in youth and community work across Ireland and Australia. This background has informed his commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments, whether through advocacy, research, or community engagement.
Email: jordan@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 012 5488
Cian is a former student of Mount Sion Secondary School, and attended University College Cork, where he completed a BA (History & Politics) and an MA in the Irish Revolution, 1912-1923. In 2020, Cian completed a Professional Diploma in Office Administration with UCD Pro Academy.
He has previously worked in the History & Heritage sector, as well as with the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Cian writes frequently on history and sport for various publications and has previously published books on the history of Waterford city as well as the Waterford & District Junior League.
Email: health@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 051 844260
Covering the Dublin region including the city and surrounding areas.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: mick@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 816 7798
Covering the Dublin region including the city and surrounding areas.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: ana@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 470 3941
Covering the South West of Ireland including Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and North Tipperary.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: sabrina@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 201 6457
Covering the South East of Ireland including Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: jenny@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 303 3205
Covering the Midlands including Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: johno@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 201 6457
Covering the North East of Ireland including Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: helen@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 086 201 6458
Covering the West of Ireland including Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: davidm@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 083 475 3760
Covering the North West of Ireland including Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.
Client Support Workers respond to referrals from the Male Advice Line and other services, the CSW’s role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.
This remote, wraparound service involves case management, crisis intervention (including individual risk assessment and safety planning) and signposting to suitable supports.
Since its launch in May 2019, the Male Advice Line has helped hundreds of men to cope with abusive behaviour, which includes emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.
Email: sinead@mensnetwork.ie
Phone: 0862016458
Chairperson: Rose Hearne | Secretary: John Brophy | Treasurer: Owen Hillery
Mia De Faoite, Frank Hutchinson, Natalie Cooke, Dr Caroline Munyi, Noel Synnott, Colin Regan, Colm Downes
