Governance

Fiona Nolan, Chair

I’m Fiona Nolan, a mother of 2 adult sons and I worked for more than 20 years as a community artist, arts consultant and trainer, in particular in Dublin’s Sherriff St with the Balcony Belles, in Fatima Mansions and Dolphin House. More recently I also worked as a community development worker and ran the Counselling service in Silver Arch FRC in Nenagh.

I know the value of the arts in empowering people and developing the creativity that can give individuals and communities a whole new perspective and energy for life. This was my own experience and I have seen this demonstrated many times.

For this reason, I’m delighted to have joined the Board of the Cloughjordan Circus Club. Cloughjordan is very lucky to have a resource of this quality that develops the confidence, skill and connection to community that the Circus Club provides.

Former board roles include Calypso Theatre Company (Human Rights based theatre company), Actors Centre, Dublin and Ecovillage Chairperson and Board member.

Margo O’Donnell Roche, Secretary

Hi, I’m Margo and I am delighted to be a board member of the Cloughjordan Circus Club since September 2021. My work is community based and I see the principles of community development threaded through the everyday work of the Circus: inclusion, equality, respect for diversity, empowerment and active participation. The young people’s voices are integral to every process and decision as CJ Circus evolves and grows. I joined the board because I see CJ Circus has a valuable role in our community and offers something else and different which can be very special for our young people.

I first became involved when 2 of my children became members. Through the years they were involved they got to participate in many shows, attempted many and mastered some of the creative circus skills with lots of laughter. One highlight was a trip to Belfast to the Festival of Fools a few years ago and I got to go as a volunteer, it was full of fun and laughter.

Cloughjordan Circus Club gave many benefits to my girls by offering activities that are physical, social (well beyond the years of being a member), and fun plus I saw them gain confidence and belief in their abilities in a creative way.

Andrew Coman, Treasurer

I am a Tipperary native and Chartered Accountant by profession having trained with PwC in Canada before moving to London in 1999 to pursue a career in banking.

Areas of expertise are financial control, risk management and corporate governance.

I currently split my time between Dublin and Tipperary. I joined the board of Cloughjordan Circus Club in 2022 as Treasurer.

Antonia O’Keeffe

Both my kids were in the Cloughjordan circus for years and really enjoyed it. I remember being really moved at one of the first performances in Nenagh Arts centre. I was proud to see how the young people supported each other and persevered in getting back up on the unicycle after coming off or continued on after dropping a juggling ball. We don’t always see that in life and it shows their skill and how special what is taught in the circus is. And the audience knew and appreciated this.

I took part in the Galway 2022 “crossed wires ” crossing of the Claddagh basin. It was amazing to be part of in terms of training and wonderful to experience the excitement and spectacle of the circus, even though I’m afraid of heights.

By profession I am a Child Psychiatrist, Child Art Psychotherapist and have a background in art.

Lucie Clement

I’m Lucie Clement and have been living in Ireland for over thirteen years now (originally from Belgium).
I have a Degree in Social and Community Studies with a specialisation in Youth Work, and worked as a Youth Worker for six years. I also have a background in Equi Coaching (Life Coaching through Equine Interactions), and have my own horse. Besides, I just successfully completed a CELTA course with UCC and Cambridge, enabling me to now also teach the English Language.

I collaborated with the Cloughjordan Circus Club on many occasions during my years as a Youth Worker. It was such a privilege for me to watch the young people grow in confidence and resilience, and improve their team work skills throughout the Circus activities. I always appreciated the high-quality, fun, and well thought out workshops delivered by the Cloughjordan Circus Club. I am therefore honoured to now be a member of the Board and I look forward to this new experience.