Mairead is originally from county Roscommon.  She is passionate about staying active, trying out new things and enjoys being around others. She likes to support others to enjoy life and have a good lifestyle.  Mairead has worked with people with memory difficulties for over 10 years, along with Regina she had a dream to set up a memory café to provide a safe, happy and supportive space for people with memory difficulties.  She enjoys practicing yoga, especially chair yoga.  Mairead loves being outdoors with her two little girls. She likes to relax by having a chat over a cupán tae!

My name is Joanne Brennan and I have been living in Dublin for the past 23 years but was born and reared in beautiful Kilkenny. Being a Kilkenny native I have a passion for hurling and the GAA. Walks on the beach are my favourite pastime and Easter is my favourite time of the year. I have been working with People with Dementia and their families for the past 16 years. 

My name is Fiona Cunningham, born and reared on the Northside of Dublin in Artane. I have been involved in community groups from a very early age volunteering in local youth clubs, community groups and most recently with the Memory Café. I volunteered in my local credit union for many years where I met my Husband (the best dividend I ever got!) , the credit union is very much part of the local community and we delighted to be associated with the café as their main sponsor. I have personal experience in caring for someone with Dementia, My Mam was diagnosed with frontotemporal Dementia a couple of years ago.

My name is Karen and I am from Donaghmede, a local Dublin girl.  I have loved working as a nurse, and now have had the privilege to work in a role with older adults who have memory difficulties over the last four years. The last few years have really reminded us of how important our community, social connections and supporting each other is. It has been wonderful to be part of the team for Cupan Tae Memory cafe, and I am really looking forward to meeting everyone.

My own loves in life are my husband, two children and now two dogs. There is nothing better to me than time with my friends, family or shouting for my local GAA team Trinity Gaels.

My name is Regina. I have worked with people with memory difficulties and their families for the last 13 years. One of my dreams was to become involved in setting up a memory café, as I am passionate about people living well with memory difficulties. I am originally from Donegal and I am known to be ‘a chatterbox’ but I would call it ‘being friendly’. My loves in life are my fantastic husband and my beautiful three children. I look forward to meeting you at the cafes and you can be sure that I’m always available for a chat.

My name is Lorna Loftus, I am really interested in the idea of wellbeing in every stage of life and enjoy being part of the Memory Café Community where this is celebrated. I enjoy spending time walking our dog on the beach and trying new recipes.

My name is Trish Mahon. I have been privileged to work in the area of healthcare and with older adults who have memory difficulties over the last 4 years. I believe that we all need community connection for our social and emotional well-being, something that has become even more evident in the last couple of years. I am delighted to be involved in this café and really look forward to getting to know everyone over a nice cuppa and some cake.

Garret grew up in Artane and worked in North Dublin until 2019. He is very glad to be involved in getting the Cupán Tae memory café up and running.  He believes that the café provides a great opportunity to learn and to be social. He believes that social connection is one of the most important things when it comes to wellbeing. He enjoys music, theatre and cooking (although does not always have great success in the kitchen!) 

I am a retired firefighter, a job I loved and did for 31 years. In March 2016 I had a stroke and my wife is my main carer. I have one daughter who lives in the UK. We have 2 cats and we feed a lot of other wildlife animals. I love golf, rugby and anything to do with the Fire Brigade. I believe Dementia is a word and not a sentence.

My name is Marion Mooney and I worked as a manager. My husband had a stroke and I have cared for him since 2016. My two cats are our pride and joy and I love to look after a stray cat, 2 hedgehogs and a fox that visits nightly during the summer. I enjoy yoga, walking and keeping fit, and sewing. I have enjoyed travelling and charity work.

A mother of three, raised in Tipperary and working in Dublin, I am privileged to be working with people with dementia and their families for over 18 years, and like so many volunteering with An Cupan Tae, have family members who lived with dementia. I am passionate about ensuring people gain access to information and support to empower them to live well. I love to read, to cook, spend time with my family and am a novice gardener.