Directors
Joe T. Mooney: Chairperson and founding member of LDAG. Joe is also Director of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and has over 15 years experience in the initiation and development of services for people with disabilities in Ireland. He is co-founder of the independent living movement in Ireland; a forerunner in the early development of Vantastic Transport Service in the mid 1990’s and more recently as Director of MDI, where he is manager of a staff of over 35 people supporting the needs of people with muscular dystrophy in Ireland today.
Jimmy Murray: Secretary of LDAG and former National Secretary of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, where Mr. Murray was a key player in the development of the organization throughout the 1990’s ‘til 2001, when he took over as chairperson of MDI and currently serves as their Secretary. Mr Murray has a wealth of business experience from the travel industry where he is a senior manager for over 25 years.
Anne Rowley, P.C.: Treasurer of LDAG. Anne’s life has been one of volunteering; she was involved with the Lucan Community Centre for over 10 years were she held various board positions. She was also active in Palmerstown Ladies Club, again serving on the board. She is Treasurer of Dublin West-Fianna Fáil Women and has been a delegate to the Árd Feis for many years. Anne spent 10 years as a PA in Leinster House.
Annie Payne: Most of Annie’s life has been spent outside of Ireland, firstly as a stewardess with BOAC. Marriage saw Annie living in Abu Dhabi, Italy, Egypt, Indonesia, Greece, The Cameroons and Nigeria. She was involved in many charities in those countries mainly in the area of teaching and hospital visitations. Before returning to Ireland 11 years ago, Annie spent 13 years in Andorra, working in real estate and import/export. Annie is currently employed by Abbott Laboratories, Ireland and is fluent in Spanish, French and Catalan.
Derek Keating, M.C.C.: In addition to his role as Full-Time Local Fine Gael Councillor (receiving one of the highest votes in Ireland for the 2009 elections) and LDAG Board Member, Derek is involved with other Local Community activity. For eight years he worked as Supervisor of a Local Community Employment Scheme. Derek has been Peace Commissioner since 1998 and has also worked for many years with a number of local, voluntary, social and sporting organizations, some of which work with disadvantaged people, a sample of which is listed as follows: Liffey Sound FM – helped successfully pursue the license for the new Community Radio for Lucan – Derek is Chairman of the Public Relations Committee. Chernobyl Children Appeal (Irl) – Lucan Group – to provide holiday opportunities for children from the Chernobyl Region and also International Humanitarian Aid to the people of Belarus – he is the founder of the Lucan Group and the Co-coordinator of the programme. Special Olympics 2003 – Derek was Public Relations Officer on the Lucan Host Town Committee for this historic event. Councillor Keating has also served as: Chairperson of a Local Soccer Club, Vice-Chairperson of Lucan Community Council, Member of Lucan Planning Council, Board Member of Lucan 2000 Community Group, Chairperson of the Local Residents Association, Member of Lucan Tidy Towns Committee, and Chairperson of the Lucan Library Campaign.
Liz Linnane: A native of London, Liz has been an active volunteer since relocating to Ireland in the 1970’s. She has been a member of LDAG since its founding and has served as a board member for many years. Liz has also been on the board of West Dublin Disability Services and has served as a member of their interview panel. She has taken several courses: Partnership and Policy Making by the Rehab Care Group, The University of Ulster’s School of the Built Environment—Universal Accessibility Auditing Certificated Course, as well as courses provided by the Irish Wheelchair Association and The National Council for the Blind. Liz has conducted church accessibility audits on behalf of CrossCare, the Social Arm of the Catholic Church.
Owen Collumb: A native of Longford. In 2003, Owen completed a Degree in Sociology & Politics in Trinity College, Dublin. He has been involved with The Centre for Independent Living since 2004 and now works for Greater Dublin Independent Living.
Additional to the Board of Management:
Mark CoffeyLinda ByrneElaine Stevens