Mike
General Manager; Director of Outreach
Originally from Belfast, Mike came to An Tobar Nua in 2001 as part of the staff, after several years in the medical manufacturing industry. With more than a decade of experience in charity work and his business expertise, Mike oversees the day to day operations of An Tobar Nua. He also directly leads our Retreat and Religious Education department which works with Secondary Schools across the country. He is an avid fan of full-contact sports and trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing where he also coaches. When not at An Tobar Nua, Mike can be found in the gym or pursuing his passion for kayaking with his family.
Megan
Executive Director (People & Operations), Counsellor
Megan joined the An Tobar Nua team in 2004. She plays an active role in staff leadership. Megan is a certified Irish counsellor and spends her days in the An Tobar Nua Counselling Centre. She has a heart to support and assist people in overcoming life’s challenges as they move towards healing and positive change. Megan has a BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and is fully accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Natalie
Executive Director (Accounting & Administration)
Having grown up in Galway, Natalie found various ways over the years to be involved at An Tobar Nua in Galway, eventually joining the team in 2003 as a dedicated team member after finishing her Leaving Certificate. In 2004, she left for university to pursue accounting. After gaining valuable professional experience, she returned to the team in 2015. She is passionate about both her family and her career. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and supporting her three sons at their various sporting events.
Paul
Cafe Manager
A true Galwegian, Paul has been a face at An Tobar Nua since its very first year. Originally spending his lunchtimes with us while in secondary school, he has now come full circle and is managing Cafe operations. He has an extensive background in hospitality, including in our Cafe from 2006 to 2009, returning as our Cafe Manager in 2022. He brings a deep passion for relationship evangelism and demonstrating the Hope of Christ to our customers each day. He holds a bachelors degree in English Literature, and in his spare time he enjoys reading, music, movies, video games, and camping.
Deirdre
Bookshop Manager
After many years in the retail industry with one of Ireland's most successful brands, Deirdre joined the team in 2006. Her love for knowledge and her heart to help others find scriptural answers to life's problems made the bookshop the perfect fit. She is originally from Cavan but has been a Galwegian since 1991. When not at An Tobar Nua, Deirdre can be found volunteering in her local parish or spending time with her daughter and granddaughter.
Thomas
Head Counselor, Team Chaplain - An Tobar Nua
Tom joined the An Tobar Nua staff in 2002. As a certified Irish counsellor, he has a BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and is fully accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Irish Association of Christian Counsellors. As our Head Counsellor, Thomas has been a vital part of developing our confidential and nonjudgemental counselling service and has worked tirelessly to advertise and promote our counselling service throughout Ireland. Thomas has a heart to accompany individuals as they journey towards healing and wholeness.
Andrew
Manager of Outreach; Retreat Leader
A native Galwegian, Andrew came to An Tobar Nua in 2014 after working for two years prior with a local church in Galway City. He graduated with a degree in Highway Engineering and a certificate from IBI (Irish Bible Institute) College. A talented singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Andrew often leads worship in different venues in Galway City and for An Tobar Nua's youth outreaches. He enjoys writing music, kickboxing and spending time with his wife and children.
Tomasz
Emmaus Scripture School Lecturer
Ruth
SAOL Manager; Retreat Leader
Ruth is a native Galway woman and has lived there all her life. She joined the An Tobar Nua retreat team in July 2017. Ruth loves connecting with young people, and gets a real sense of joy from spending time listening to and sharing her life experiences with the students she meets on retreat. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys music, singing, coffee, running, and spending time with her young family.