Tony Irwin is employed by the HSE and works in the care of the elderly which he gets great fulfilment from. He has been a member of the board of management for Mullingar Arts Centre for five years and has a massive interest in all aspects of the arts and performing. He is a strong advocate and supporter of such, he is also heavily involved in Scor and has judged in numerous All Ireland Finals.
Michael Dollard is an Independent Councillor and member of Westmeath County Council. Michael is also a member of the Longford/Westmeath Education and Training Board and also a member of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women. Michael is the Director of T.E.A.M. (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Mullingar). Michael is the Chairperson of the Riverside Community Centre and a member of the Midlands Regional Drug Task Forces. Michael is a member of St. Loman’s GAA Club and a former member of the Defence Forces and a Peace Commissioner.
Bernadette Solon is our most recent addition to the Board of Management of Mullingar Arts Centre. She has lived in Mullingar for over 40 years having moved from Dublin to pursue a career as an architect. Since her graduation, Bernadette has had various careers – university lecturer for over 20 years, architect of Westmeath Local Authority, conservation officer and heritage officer and now, since retiring a TidyTowns adjudicator and more recently a judge for the Canadian Communities in Bloom international competition. She is also on the panel of visiting architects to assess the educational standards on behalf of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. While a university lecturer she was invited as a visiting professor to the University of Lincoln, Nebraska. She is also a member of the executive of the all-Ireland Follies Trust and enjoys visiting the numerous structures which have been assisted in their consolidation and repair by the Trust throughout the thirty two counties. She has supported Mullingar Arts Centre for many years and looks forward to being a member of the Board of Management.
Sheila was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2023. A native of Co. Longford, Sheila has worked mainly in the Public Sector since 1990, including Dublin City County, Longford County Council and more recently Westmeath County Council in 2022. Her current role is District Manager of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad which covers a broad range of functions within this area. Sheila has a keen interest in the Arts and appreciates the value Mullingar Arts Centre brings to Mullingar and the wider area, providing entertainment for people of all ages and cultures.
Sarah was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2023. Sarah has lived and worked in Ireland since 2000. Sarah’s career has always revolved around teaching and the arts. Sarah was a Class teacher in St Brigid’s School for fifteen years. During which time, she proved herself to be an innovative, trusted, valued, reliable and conscientious teacher who earned the respect of staff, parents, and students alike. She moved onto work for the Department of Education and Skills designing and leading a national professional development course for teachers and students of Junior Cycle. She then returned to St Mary’s special school as Principal for two years before taking a leap into the arts as a fulltime self-employed drama facilitator. Sarah is also a visiting lecturer for first year PME students in Maynooth University. Sarah has had a passion for the arts since a very young age and loves to get involved herself (whenever she can.) Her support towards the Arts Centre and the programme it offers to the Westmeath Community is immeasurable. Sarah is welcomed to the Board for her skills and knowledge in youth arts and arts education.
Andrina Finch is a native of Athlone, County Westmeath and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2023.
Andrina spent five years in California before returning to Mullingar with her family where she immersed her children into the arts in Mullingar through Mullingar Arts Centre and has been an avid supporter of all the centre has to offer since she moved to Mullingar in 2003.
Andrina has a keen interest in the arts especially visual arts. Andrina studied graphic design at third level. At present Andrina is a pre school teacher in Naíonra An Muileann Gcearr which she thoroughly enjoys. Andrina is also an art teacher and facilitator at her own art classes ‘Splat! Children’s Art’ classes which caters for children from 3 - 16 years old with a special emphasis focused on young people with additional needs. The classes are located at Mullingar Charity Variety Group in Forest Park.
Andrina is a qualified Level 6 Special Needs Assistant and is also an associate member of the Irish Hotel and Catering Federation of Ireland. She also runs her own hugely successful and well known Personalized Plate Painting business which has been thriving for many years and Andrina also attends fifteen primary schools locally in Westmeath with her confirmation and communion plates offering workshops and classes for the pupils.
Andrina is warmly welcomed to the Mullingar Arts Centre Board of Directors for her expertise and passion for the visual arts.
Niall is a member of Westmeath County Council, representing the Kinnegad Local Electoral Area, within the municipal district of Mullingar Kinnegad. Niall is from Delvin, and works as a barrister. Niall was part of the Arts Centre during his teenage years, being involved in shows such as Godspell, Happy Days, and Red Hot Cinders.
Julie was born and raised in Mullingar. She was elected to Westmeath County Council in June 2024 for the Mullingar Local Electoral Area, Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.
Julie has extensive experience in Health Care And Childcare. Julie works with Deputy Sorca Clarke TD, for a number of years in her Mullingar Office at Church Avenue, Mullingar.
Julie has a keen interest in the arts and in particular Mullingar Arts Centre. Julie over the years has taken part in musicals both on and off the stage including Little Shop of Horrors and Chess.