https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/about-us/meet-the-team/
The Geopark Team, now located in one central office in the MacNean Resource Centre in Blacklion, is made up of a dedicated Manager, four Officers, two Assistant Officers, one Lead Ranger and three Rangers.
Role: Geopark Manager
Role: Project Manager – Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park Project
Responsibilities: I joined the Geopark Team in 2022 to deliver the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park Project funded under Failte Irelands Platforms for Growth Investment Grants Scheme. As Project Manager I have overall operational responsibility for the project. I am the main point of contact for the Clients Project Team on a day-to-day basis and report on performance and progress. I am also responsible for ensuring the project is delivered under a model of continuous community and stakeholder engagement which values their contribution and involvement in the project. I’m also involved in regeneration projects in my local community, and I am passionate about rural regeneration through sustainable economic and social development.
5 words to describe myself: Innovative, Ambitious, Meticulous, Caring, Dedicated
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
Working with impassioned colleagues and having the Geopark itself as my workplace. The Geopark landscape is a special and sacred place with prehistoric megalithic tombs, myths and legends and underwater caves. Being in the outdoors is such a multi-sensory experience, the sights, sounds and smells, each changing throughout the seasons, with ever changing weather conditions.
Currently on leave.
Role: Assistant Development Officer – Tourism and Business
Responsibilities: To assist and provide support to the Development Officer in all things related to tourism and business. This includes the roll out of our Business Sustainability Programme. A programme which offers local businesses the opportunity to learn about waste management and in return helps their business become more sustainable. As well as working on the promotion of the Geopark to both locals and visitors to the area, to help make the most out of their visit and make it as memorable as possible. The aim is to spread the word about how amazing the Geopark is in the hope for return visits and new visitors in a sustainable way.
5 words to describe myself: Honest, Positive, Dependable, Hardworking, and Friendly
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I love travelling and exploring different countries around the world, but the Geopark is on par with some of the nicest places I have visited. The landscape and views (especially on a good day) remind me how lucky I am to not only live here but to also call sites such as Lough Navar Forest, Cavan Burren Park, and Ely Lodge Forest my office.
Role: Development Officer – Partnerships and Engagement
Responsibilities: To support and develop engagement with key stakeholders and cultivate strong mutually beneficial working relationships. This includes working with statutory agencies, local community groups and businesses. I am also responsible for the development and delivery of the education programme and events within the Geopark. This involves delivering environmental education and outdoor learning with pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary, further education, and lifelong learning.
5 words to describe myself: Active, creative, dedicated, quiet, and honest
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
We are so, so lucky to have this amazing natural heritage right on our doorstep. It can be very easy to take it all for granted, especially when you have grown up in Fermanagh or Cavan. Working in the Geopark has reminded me to appreciate the beauty and history of the area.
Role: Assistant Development Officer – Partnerships and Engagement
Responsibilities: I assist with the planning of educational outreach to schools and events across the Geopark sites and I make sure that the events we host allow members of the public to engage with our local geology and natural history in an accessible and sustainable way. I work with our Geopark Guides to help organise and promote fantastic events that showcase the natural beauty of the landscapes in Fermanagh and Cavan that make up the Geopark.
Five words to describe myself: Kind, reliable, supportive, direct, and curious
Have you encountered any wildlife during your time at the Geopark?
When I worked at the Marble Arch Caves, I spent a lot of time in the Cladagh Glen, and on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain. These areas have many interesting animals such as Dor Beetles, Red Squirrels, Pine Martins and even Woodpeckers, but the most memorable animal that I have seen in the Geopark is wild Viviparous Lizards. Many people don’t think Ireland has any native reptiles, so I feel rather fortunate to have seen them in the wild (even though they’re also known as Common Lizards they can be very tricky to spot)!
Role: Countryside Management and Geoscientific Officer
Responsibilities: I am responsible for the sustainable management and development of the Geopark sites and recreational trails, managing a team of Rangers and working alongside the Municipal District Staff; sourcing and securing funding for sustainable initiatives where possible. I manage the Partnerships and Engagement Team and manage the community engagement initiatives and programmes within the Geopark. I am also our Geoscientific Officer and work with community, voluntary and statutory sectors in partnership to ensure the that unique geodiversity and heritage of the Geopark is understood, appreciated and preserved. I am also a UNESCO Global Geoparks Junior Evaluator.
5 words to describe myself: Honest, Ambitious, Caring, motivated and Dedicated
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I have worked in the Geopark since 2008 so there are many many elements I thoroughly enjoy about my role!. The landscape is truly spectacular steeped in heritage and has an abundance of communities and people whom are passionate, proud and curious about that heritage. I am very fortunate to work with those people like every day and to have the Geopark as a place to live, work and play within.
Darren Farrell
Role: Lead Ranger
Responsibilities: I am responsible for managing the Ranger Team. Scheduling work, organising materials, and ensuring the smooth operational function of the Geopark. I plan for the maintenance of sites and deal with emergency repairs when required. Working with the Management Team I discuss and develop new features and bring these to reality alongside the skilled Ranger Team.
Five words to describe myself: Resourceful, determined, calm, trustworthy, and ambitious
What is your favourite site within the Geopark?
We work in so many varied yet spectacular sites that it is hard to choose. However, I think it is Lough Erne lapping up against the shores of the rocky bays and native woodlands lining the path that make old Castle Archdale Forest my favourite site. The history of Plantation Castles and the World War Air base really add to the area, if only the ancient trees could talk.
Michael Dolan
Role: Ranger
Responsibilities: Our role is to maintain, inspect and develop the sites and features within the Geopark. Some examples of our work include path repairs, installing signage, fixing site furniture, grass cutting, litter picking, leaf blowing, fencing and construction work.
Five words to describe myself: Thoughtful, hardworking, jovial, friendly, and honest
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I enjoy working in the outdoors and overcoming new challenges that we face regularly. I also enjoy the great variety of work which we carry out to develop and maintain the sites.
Gareth Bowles
Role: Ranger
Responsibilities: Our role is to maintain, inspect and develop the sites and features within the Geopark. Some examples of our work include path repairs, installing signage, fixing site furniture, grass cutting, litter picking, leaf blowing, fencing and construction work.
Five words to describe myself: Adaptable, punctual, approachable, modest, and helpful
Have you any tips for being a better geo-tourist?
People visit the Geopark and are amazed at its beauty. When planning your trip allow enough time to enjoy and take in the landscapes which form the Geopark.
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
