About Us

Board of Directors

Chair

Seamus Doyle

A native of Waterford, Seamus Doyle has a long association with St Agnes’ CCMA, teaching double bass and conducting the Late Starters Orchestra for most of its history. Seamus has been Principal Double Bass in RTE Concert Orchestra for many years and is very active as a performer, conductor and teacher. He was Chair of the Board of Management for many years and has given tirelessly to the current Board of Directors as Chair since its inception in 2022.

Founder Director / Secretary

Sr Bernadette Sweeney

Sr. Bernadette Sweeney was a  committed School Principal for over 30 years, across three different schools but it was as Principal of St. Agnes’ Primary School that she started the school violin prjoect with  Dr. Joanna Crooks (BA Mod, H Dip Ed, D Mus honoris causa) in 2006. Her qualifications and vast experience have enabled her to both innovate and deliver on behalf of the Crumlin  community. 

 Prior to retirement in 2013, Sr. Bernadette Sweeney recognised the need to build community  through music and adult empowerment, having witnessed the success of the establishment  of the parent/grandparent orchestra in her role as Principal. This re-enforced the famous  assumption that it takes a whole village (community) to raise a child.

 In 2018, the CCMA under Sr. Bernadette’s leadership was awarded the IPB “Pride of  Place” award. She also accepted the Laureate of the International Music Council’s Music Rights Award in  Paris on behalf of the Scoil Úna Naofa Violin an Orchestra Project on who it was  bestowed in 2019. In 2020, she was awared Honorary Life Membership from the Society for Music  Education in Ireland in recognition of her invaluable contribution to and continuing  support of music education in Ireland. 

Vice - Chair

Cormac Ó hAodáin

A member of our national RTÉ Concert Orchestra for many years, Cormac is in demand as a performer, teacher and conductor throughout Ireland. As a professional French Horn player, he has performed in many orchestras, chamber music and solo capacities. Cormac joined the Late Starters Orchestra by learning the Double Bass and has been an active member for many years. He also conducts our very successful Intergenerational Summer Camp each year which culminates in a performance in ChristChurch Cathedral annually. Cormac joined the Board in 2022.

Treasurer

Mary Dowd

A Dublin native, Mary has been involved with St Agnes’ CCMA for many years, initially as a member of the violin section in the Late Starters Orchestra. With an accounting background, she acted as Treasurer in the original Board of management and has rejoined the Board of Directors as treasurer since 2023.

Clr. Pat Dunne

Clr. Pat Dunne has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2022 and has been a local representative on Dublin City Council in the Crumlin/Dublin 12 area for many years. He has been a member of many Area Committees and Forums.

Sen. Catherine Ardagh

Sen. Catherine Ardagh has been a local representative for many years in the area and is now currently serving as Senator in Seanad Éireann. Catherine works locally as a solicitor and joined the Board of CCMA in 2022.

Dawn Davin

Dawn’s involvement with the St Agnes’ Project goes back to the early years. She is a vibrant member of the Late Starters Orchestra as leader of the viola section. Dawn has also been very involved in the Musical Society and frequently helps out at many events on a voluntary basis. She joined the Board of Directors in 2022.