Imelda retried from Ballyfermot Youth Service in May 2021, after ten years of working with us. She previously worked with Candle Community Trust and in The Orchard Community Centre. Imelda is known throughout Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard and is highly respected for her commitment to our community and young people. She brought fun, laughter and compassion each day she worked with the young people and staff. As she says herself “laughing is good for your heart.”

Over the years she has taken part in many Erasmus Youth Exchange programmes visiting Finland, Poland, Portugal and Spain with the young people of Ballyfermot. She is always one to try new adventures and encourage young people to try new experiences from Art, Sport, Culture and Drama to new tastes and activities. In our after-school programmes (homework/drop-in clubs) Imelda was like a mother to the younger children,
helping them with their homework and making them meals. Imelda has many great talents and was known as both Queen of the scrabble board and Queen of slime making which was always a huge hit in the summer programmes!

Retirement has not stopped Imelda, she has continued as a volunteer for BYS on various new activities, workshops and trips as they come up. She is always the first to help out even at the last-minute. The Ballyfermot Youth Service committee, staff and young people wish to thank you so much, Imelda, for your service and commitment over the years and for being a beacon of positive light in young people’s lives. Thank you for your willingness to donate your time, talent and energy and for your big heart. Your efforts contributed greatly to the success of BYS and we look forward to your continued involvement with us all in Ballyfermot Youth Service.